James Eldon Waugh (known as Eldon) entered this earthly world on September 15, 1925 the third of four children born to James 'Henry' and Inez Edna (Shuman) Waugh. His parents, who were from Broken Arrow, OK and Winfield, KS respectively, were farmers who built their life in Buffalo, OK, and raised cattle and grew wheat and various grains. He is preceded in death by his wife Norma (Weeden), his parents and brothers Meredith and Wilford.

Eldon gave his life to the Lord at an early age and committed himself to a life of obedience through discipline, hard work and a solid education.

Eldon rode to school on horseback many a day before buses were available and while his schooling was interrupted by WWII, he graduated high school in 1945, and entered Oklahoma State University in 1946. For Eldon, 1950 was a busy year; he graduated OSU with a Bachelor of Science Electrical Engineering degree (BSEE) in May, and married his sweetheart Norma Lea Weeden, on August 11, 1950. To this union was added a daughter, Suzanne Irene, and sons Jerry Kent and James Lee Waugh. He was most certainly a devoted husband and loving father.

It was also during this time Eldon began his career at Oklahoma Gas and Electric (OG&E) beginning at the Woodward power plant. He worked at both Belle Isle and Mustang plants, before being selected by the company to complete an executive management program, where upon he was transferred to Stillwater and promoted to plant manager of the newly built Sooner Power Plant in 1978. In 1987 he retired after a 37 year career. In addition to a rewarding career, Eldon was also an active participant in his church and community. He has been a supporting member of the First Baptist Church, Stillwater, OK since 1978 and served as a deacon for many of those years. A highlight of he and Norma's mission support was to travel to China with the church.

Also while still working for OG&E, Eldon took up the hobby of keeping bees, and thus began his small business of selling honey and bee by products. Known as the 'Bee Man' and/or 'Honey Man', over the years he has shared his honey and knowledge and love of bees at the Stillwater Farmers Market, the county fair where he won numerous blue ribbons for his honey, craft fairs and elementary school classrooms. Additionally, he could always be counted on to enjoy a cup of coffee with other retired men of the community and discuss current affairs.

In February 2013, Eldon participated in an OSU Library oral history project, Spotlighting Oklahoma, whereby he was interviewed and recalls the Dust Bowl, how it impacted his day to day life growing up, and other life events.

Eldon leaves to cherish his memory daughter Suzanne Irene Witt (Ronnie) of Tuttle, OK, sons Jerry Kent Waugh (Candace) of Shreveport, LA, and James Lee Waugh (Carrell) of Tulsa, OK; grandsons Kevin Witt (Amanda), Justin Witt (Olivia), Lesley Waugh Graham (Billy), Cameron Waugh (Elizabeth), and Aaron Allbritton. In addition are great grandsons Tyson and Bowen Witt, Jackson and Maddux Witt; William Waugh; Easton, Aiden and Finley Graham, and sister, Ivalee Wheaton Brock of Buffalo OK. Also included are bonus great granddaughters Kyndal Meadow, Peyton Graham, Izzy and Gabby Thompson; Easton Shubert and Madison Slocum; many nieces and nephews, cousins, extended family and a host of community friends and church family.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Monday, March 10, 2025 at Strode Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at Washington Cemetery in Washington, Oklahoma.