Eldon Rockwell

Eldon "Rocky" Rockwell
Jr.
Heaven welcomed home
Eldon "Rocky" Rockwell Jr. on
Thursday, August 22, 2019, in
Grants Pass, Oregon. He has left
behind many aching hearts of
family and friends, but we know
he is happy and whole dancing
on the streets of gold.
Rocky was born on June 30,
1945, to Sibyl and Eldon Rockwell
Sr. in Oakland, California,
(though he never wanted to
admit California as his birthplace).
He was the oldest of six
children. Rocky was part of an
adventurous family often on the
move. They made their home in
many places, such as New Mexico,
Arizona, Utah, and Colorado.
In New Mexico, Eldon Sr.
participated in the blacklisted
film, Salt of the Earth, in which
he and his brother played the
part of the sheriff. Rocky was a
young boy at the time, but he
and his older cousin, David
Rockwell, remember those
events well.
Around the age of 18, Rocky
lived on a ranch in Sedona, Arizona,
and helped with a lengthy
cattle drive. This life experience
left a lasting mark on Rocky.
Cowboy boots and a cowboy hat
became his staple wardrobe
pieces.
Eldon Sr. had the dream of
moving the family to Oregon one
day, but passed away at the
young age of 46. Upon his passing,
Rocky took up the responsibility
of helping provide for the
family. They left their home in
Watsonville, California, and settled
in Grants Pass, Oregon.
Rocky started working in various
mills around the area.
While his mother and siblings
remained in Grants Pass, Rocky
moved to Brookings, where he
ran the T and R Lumber Yard
and sent money back home to
his family. He moved back to
Grants Pass in 1971 to go on a
month-long trip with family. He
continued to work various jobs,
such as mills and lumber yards.
Through Rocky's sister Alma,
he met Doreene Ivie. After about
three and half months, they
married on October 14, 1971.
They had four children. Around
1988, Rocky started working for
Ryder as a mobile diesel
mechanic. He lived with a pager
on his hip and was ready to hit
the road at any moment. In 1994,
Rocky and the family moved to
La Pine, Oregon, where he continued
to work for Ryder. Shortly
thereafter, he became a truck
driver for Ryder. After a couple
years of living in the High
Desert, the family returned to
Grants Pass. He retired from
Ser Trucking in August
2016.
Rocky was a faithful member
of Bethel Christian Center for
around 41 years. He enjoyed
playing guitar at church and
being part of a close-knit congregation.
His faith ran deep
and influenced every corner of
his life.
In his spare time, Rocky
enjoyed helping others. He
would drop anything to go help
someone in need. He also
enjoyed staying busy outside,
socializing with others (especially
at The Riffle Cafe in Merlin),
going to the coast, playing at
weekly jam sessions, walking
the dog, playing games, and fixing
things, but playing his guitar
and being around music was one
of his greatest delights. It
brought him such joy.
Survivors include his wife,
Doreene; sons, Mark, Michael
and Tim; one daughter, Rachel;
daughter-in-law, Roni; grandsons,
Chris, Sam, Isaiah,
Matthew and Noah; brothers,
Asa and Tom; sisters, Alma and
Helen; brothers-in-law, Wayne
and Ron; and many wonderful
cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by
his father, Eldon Sr.; his mother,
Sibyl; and his sister, Molly.
A memorial service will be
held at River Valley Church, 405
NE 6th St., Grants Pass, Oregon,
on Saturday, September 7, 2019,
at 10 a.m. with refreshments to
follow.
Arrangements with Stephens
Family Chapel
www.stephensfc.com.

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