Donald Ralph Eland

Donald Ralph Eland, 83, of New London, died on May 7, 2017, at his home.

A memorial open house will be held on May 20, 2017, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at New London Community Hall.

Eland was born on May 20, 1933, in Newton, the son of Ralph Eland and Edna Van Syoc Eland. He was a graduate of Mt. Pleasant Community Schools. On Dec. 15, 1954, he married Opal Mae Williams.

He served in the United States Army and after his discharge, he owned and operated Eland Sinclair. He then worked at Goodyear, formerly known at Superior Cable, until retirement.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, being active in his church, and reading westerns.

Eland is survived by his wife, Opal; his children, Ralph Eland, Donald (Coree) Eland, Rodney (Wendy) Eland, and Aletha (John) Arnold; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father; his mother; his brother, Gary Eland, of Venice, Fla.; and a granddaughter.