Elton Call

ELTON DAVIDS CALL IDAHO FALLS, ID - Elton Davids Call, 89, of Idaho Falls, passed away July 20, 2003, at his home. He was surrounded by his loving family. He was born on January 24, 1914 at Chesterfield, Idaho to Israel Bowen and Charlotte Vienna Davids Call. On April 13, 1940, he married Verda Amelia Young in Idaho Falls. Their marriage was solemnized in the Idaho Falls Temple on January 9, 1959. He was a farmer, a rancher, and worked in the construction business. He was well-known as a boat mechanic for the Outdoorsman. He retired from the City of Idaho Falls. He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served as a High Priest and held many offices in the church. He and his wife served on a mission to Gallup New Mexico in 1981-1982. A legend in his own time, Call is credited as the person responsible for bringing Little League Baseball to Idaho Falls in the late 1950's. When Western Boys Baseball Association (WBBA) was looking for a new venue to pull teams to it’s annual tournament, Call persuaded WBBA to set up a base in Idaho Falls. He then began his legacy with the association that has expanded to eight local leagues and more than 1000 area players between the ages of 9 and 12. Elton began coaching Little League Baseball in 1956, when his son, Randy, began to play ball. He continued to manage for 19 years. Elton was a charter member of the Bonneville Boys Baseball Association (BBBA) and served as President of the group for 3 years. For 13 years, he managed the Northeast All Stars Team and twice took his team to the World Series of WBBA. He served on the National Board of Directors of the WBBA beginning in 1968 and to this day still receives the minutes from their meetings. He served as Vice President of WBBA in 1981 and as President in 1984-85. Elton always tried to make it a positive experience for those who participated in the program. He had a way with young people that very few could match plus he had the capacity to get grown ups to put aside their differences and pull together. All this, besides being a humble, but very competent, warm human being. In 1982, the City of Idaho Falls honored Elton by officially naming the field at Cleveland and Holmes “Elton Call Field” and he served as the Grand Marshall in the 1981 Fourth of July Parade with four other individuals who contributed much time helping youth and establishing recreational programs. Elton enjoyed fishing, hunting, and the outdoors. He especially loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Verda and his children: Son: Elton Lynn (Susan) Call, Idaho Falls, ID Daughter: Marjie (Willis) Mooney, Idaho Falls, ID Daughter: Anne (Dave) Holtom, Clermont, FL Son: Randy B. (Linda) Call, Rock Springs, WY Daughter: Carla (DeWayne) Dunn, Idaho Falls, ID Daughter: Connie Ostler, Idaho Falls, ID and three sisters: Mildred Sauer, Kennewick, WA May Adamson, Terreton, ID Myra Martinsen, Blackfoot, ID He has 26 grandchildren, 50 great grandchildren, and 5 great great grandchildren He was preceded in death by one son; Jay D., 2 granddaughters; 1 great great granddaughter; his parents; 2 brothers; John Call and Bowen Call; and 2 sisters, Genevieve Bendixsen and Leone Shipley. Funeral Services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 24, 2003, at the Idaho Falls LDS 14th Ward (651 Gladstone), with Bishop Dave Holtom officiating. The family will meet with friends on Wednesday from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home (273 N. Ridge) and for one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in Grant-Central Cemetery.