Elden C. “Campi” Almendares, 84, of Laramie, passed away on August 3, 2024. Born on July 1, 1940, in Questa, New Mexico, to Candido and Dolores (Rael) Almendares, Elden moved to California with his family after completing grade school and later graduated from Laramie High School in Laramie, WY.
A dedicated and hard-working man, Elden enlisted in the United States Air Force in March 1962, serving actively until December 1966. During his service, he completed Air Force Tech School and earned certification in aircraft mechanic jet fighter courses. Elden continued his education while serving as an Air Force mechanic, specializing in flight line maintenance and aircraft repair. He also completed courses in driver improvement and flight control & throttle rigging. After his active duty, he served in the Air Force Reserve in the Continental Air Command until December 1966, receiving the National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal March 22, 1962 – March 21, 1965; Air Force Longevity Service Award March 22, 1962 – March 21, 1966; AFR 900-1-; SO G-24; and the 3525th PTWG.
Following his military service, Elden worked for Union Pacific Railroad and later attended trade school in Cheyenne for Computer Science. On January 10, 1994, he opened E & R Computers, running a successful business until his retirement in 2008, when he became a beloved house granddad. Elden cherished time with his family, especially teaching his daughter and granddaughters everything about cars, home improvements and how to cheat at cards. He also had a fondness for fishing, camping, bow hunting, Wyoming Cowboy Football the Buffalo Bills (Josh Allen) and sweets. Watching the birds from his window in the birdbath. He was a member of the American Legion.
Elden is survived by his wife of 59 years Laura, daughter Trisha Almendares-Sparks, granddaughters Brittnay (Benjamin) Squires and Taylor Sparks, and his dog Schnitzel. He also leaves behind his beloved sister-in-law Gerry Sanchez (Larry), sister-in-laws Lorraine Garcia, Charlene (Virgil) Sanchez, Patsy Sanchez, Waiva and Linda Almendares, a brother-in-law Billy “C.W.” Sanchez, nieces Shavon (Janet) Theis, Yolanda (Tim) Daniels, Maria Almendares, Kristi (Justin) Curtright, Amy (Craig) Moore, Andrea Sanchez, Tammy (Dino) Bakkar, Sherry Sanchez, Donna (Eric) Siscot, Valerie (Troy) Gillium, Jessica Sanchez, Erica Saunders, Christina (Scott) Jack, nephews Tony (Lisa) Theis, Greg Almendares, Virgil (Buffy) Sanchez, Adam (Annette) Hernandez, Alan Saunders, and granddogs Duchess Marie, Leia, Chewbarka, and Copenhagen.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Pearl Rose and Sylvia Miller, brothers Melvyn and Donald Almendares, brother-in-law Alfred Garcia, Joe Sanchez, son-in-law Bryan Sparks, nephews Jeff Theis and Rodney Hernandez, Jeffrey Sanchez Sr,. his dog Tiny, and granddog Shilo and very special friend Rick Marvel.
A rosary service will be held on Sunday, August 11, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. at Montgomery-Stryker Funeral Home. The Funeral Liturgy will take place on Monday, August 12, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s Newman Center, followed by interment at 2:00 p.m. at Cheyenne National Cemetery. Elden’s kindness, love for his wife, daughter, grandchildren, dogs, fishing, and sweets will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
I would like to extend my condolences to the Almandares and Sanchez families , rip Elden , God Bless , Jimmy Sanchez and family .
I’m so sorry for your loss Laura and Trisha. It’s never easy to lose a husband, father and best friend. My prayers go out to all of you. May god wrap his arms around all of you in this time of sorrow. Eldon sir it was a pleasure getting to know you. Rest high on that mountain.
Laura and family, so sorry to hear of your loss. Elden was a very kind man. I worked with Elden at Western Research Instutute and saw him often when he owned his computer business. Speaking of his love for sweets, I remember the best frosted sugar cookies he would bring to work. They were fantastic. My thoughts and prayers are with you all and Reston peace Elden.
Trisha, I’m so sorry for your loss. Praying for comfort during this most difficult time.
Our sympathies for Laura and her family over the pasting of Elden. Our thoughts and prayers are offered for each of you. He will be missed by everyone who knew him.
I would like to extend our condolences to the Almandares family , May The Good Lord Bless Them ! RIP Elden ! 🙏 !
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Patricia Coca Burns
So sorry to hear of Elden's passing. Our daughter Denise is friends with Trisha. Sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace. Secundino Martinez Jr and Rosemary Martinez
Laura, so sorry to hear of Eldon's passing. Condolences to you and your family.
Our deepest condolences to the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, may he rest in peace.