Jack Eflin, 90, died peacefully at his home in Anderson on February 10, 2020. He was born on January 30, 1930 in Newton, Iowa, the son of Pascal J. "Pat" and Elizabeth "Betty"(Smith) Eflin, and graduated from Dubuque High School. A life long Boilermaker fan, he received his bachelor's degree in Engineering Mechanics in 1951 from Purdue University, where he was a member of Tau Beta Pi, Chi Epsilon and Sigma Phi Epsilon honoraries and Sigma Pi social fraternity. He played the trumpet beginning in fourth grade and was in the Purdue Marching and Symphonic Bands. Subsequently he obtained his master's degree in business from Ball State University.
Upon graduation from Purdue he was employed by Delco-Remy Division of General Motors. Only two months after being employed he was called to serve in the Navy. He was placed in the initial class of the Officer Candidate School at Newport, Rhode Island. Upon graduation he was commissioned as Ensign and stationed at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard for three years, where he served as an Assistant Ship's Superintendent and in the Underwater Explosions Research group.
Following his honorable discharge, he returned to Anderson to continue his career with Delco-Remy until his retirement in 1987. He had a variety of assignments including Process Engineering, Manufacturing, Personnel and Purchasing. His assignment for the last ten years was as Senior Buyer responsible for purchasing battery materials and plastic molding compounds.
He was a long and dedicated member of First Presbyterian Church since 1959, where he served as Deacon, Trustee and Elder. He served as Finance Committee Chairman, Chairman of Personnel and Christian Education. He also chaired the search committees that secured Pastor Ryan Rasmussen and Interim Pastor Dave Comstock. Following retirement he was a tutor for the Madison County Literacy Coalition and served as president for three years. He was instrumental in starting the Bee for Literacy in Anderson, an adult spelling bee that promoted the Coalition and served as a fund raiser. He assisted United Faith Housing in their initial fund raising drive. In recent years he served as a volunteer tax preparer in the VITA program that assists low income members of the community. He was a member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce and also served on the Young Life Committee.
Jack enjoyed and mastered both tournament and social contract bridge. He became a silver life master in the American Contract Bridge League. He also was an avid golfer and belonged to Anderson Country Club and Edgewood Country Club. He continued his trumpet playing in the Eagles Band for many years. He enjoyed traveling with his wife here and overseas, especially their trip to Israel. He also took pleasure sitting with his grandchildren and watching them perform musically and athletically. He was an avid reader.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Beulah "Boots" (Van Ostran) Eflin, two daughters, Jennifer (husband Phil) Isenbarger of Zionsville and Julie (husband Dewey) Witte of Carmel; five grandchildren, Matt, Jack and Katie Isenbarger and John Thomas "JT" and Katelyn Boyle.
A Celebration of Jack's life will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2020 at 12 Noon at Rozelle-Johnson Funeral Service in Anderson. A private family burial service will follow at Tippecanoe Memory Gardens in West Lafayette.
Visitation will be held 2 hours prior to the service at the funeral home.
The family requests memorial contributions be given to First Presbyterian Church, Anderson.
Post online condolences at www.rozelle-johnson.com