The Man. The Hunter. The Legend. Eloy Lopez Calderon, Jr., 53, of Marion, passed away on Friday, July 22, 2016. He loved hunting, cooking up some amazing concoctions, fishing in Indiana and Texas, and exploring an open field in hopes of finding an arrowhead to add to his awesome collection. He was a master craftsman, outdoorsman and he absolutely loved to barter. It was common for him to put on his RayBan sunglasses and drive around just to admire nature. Jeans and t-shirts were his everyday attire, and on special occasions he added his Texan hat and boots. When it came to storytelling, he was by far, one of the very best. He would have you laughing, disbelieving at times and then leave you speechless. He loved country music and good times with family and friends. He really had some amazing life adventures to share with everyone.
He was born in Kerrville, Texas to his loving parents, Eloy and Estella Calderon, Sr. He shared some of his greatest adventures with his brother; James Calderon, whom he also called “Hound”. He greatly loved his two sisters; Margaret (Jesse) Fischer and Christina (Manuel) Ontiveros. He spent most of his adult years in Indiana-where he worked as an auto body collision specialist, flooring contractor and started his own lawn care business.
He met his lifelong love, Rebecca (Hutte) Calderon, at the age of 16, and his wild heart was instantly captured. Their young love was full of struggles, but together they created their 3 greatest blessings; daughter, Rosalinda (Jeremy) Taylor, who inherited his cooking skills, daughter, Andrea Mitchell, who inherited his fishing skills, and son, Aaron Calderon, who inherited his strong will and wild heart!
He was most proud of his three grandchildren, Jayden Mitchell whom he called “Chicho”, Isabella Taylor “Bella” and Lincoln Taylor “Bubbas”. His eyes would light up when they were with him! He spent time with them often. They would hunt, fish, and play together and you could always count on lots of laughing too!
He deeply respected and loved his in-laws, Walter and Faye Hutte, and visited them often and would help tinker around on projects on the homestead.
Eloy was never a quitter. After diagnosis, he fought cancer the best way he knew how-one day at a time with his family and friends by his side. He found GRACE – YES the freely given, unmerited favor and love of God! He repented and he gave his life to Christ and was forever changed. It was that day peace entered into his life. He spoke of life differently. He began to heal. Tears became a sign of strength not weakness and laughter became a sign of hope not fear. A few months ago after having a dream, He urged us that “HELL is REAL” and to always make sure you pray and go to Heaven. So, as you may have guessed, if he were to tell you his story now…he would speak of grace, forgiveness, healing, life and freedom.
Eloy’s ultimate retirement plan is now and forevermore with our Heavenly Father. We know he’s up there sharing his salvation story.
Funeral services will take place at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave. Marion, IN 46952 at 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 31, 2016, with Pastor Jeremy Taylor (son-in-law) and Rebecca Calderon (wife) officiating. Visitation will be from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday prior to the service.
Memorials may be made to the family c/o Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service to help with funeral expenses.
Online condolences may be made at www.nswcares.com.