Charles Kalen Eldred

Charles Kalen Eldred

September 4, 1987 - December 3, 2022

Our son, brother, grandson, uncle, cousin and friend.

Kalen Eldred cannot be summed up in a simple statement. He was a man with the goofiest voices, ridiculous humor, and unfailing love for the Chiefs. But, to his core, he had the biggest heart that loved fiercely and inevitably carried ache.

Kalen constantly looked for opportunities to make someone crack a smile and maybe with a colorful joke thrown in there from time to time. He wasn’t by the book, and that is what added to his fun spirit. He had a heart for others which sometimes left him struggling to love himself. He was determined, and the kid knew how to strike a deal. He loved big and truly had a heart of compassion, especially in the little ways: an unexpected note, a funny impression, or simply his comfortable (but loud) presence. He cared, more than any of us could possibly comprehend.

Living life with a bit of risk, adventure and freedom was Kalen’s way. As a little boy, he liked being out on the lake with family, riding dirt bikes and motorcycles; he was so excited the day he got his first crotch rocket. The day Kalen and his Bentonville High soccer team won the state championship was another thrill for Kalen. Even with a broken finger, he wasn’t going to be stopped. Kalen was always up for a camping trip, a hike, a family gathering, or experiencing anything that would add to some excitement. While he was definitely a man’s man, nobody could bring out his sensitive loving side like his dog Ara. Ara had more toys, collars, and only the best doggy daycares to attend while Kalen was at work. In the end, it was Ara by his side--a man’s best friend.

Kalen was a natural leader and driving force in his work in sales in the transportation industry. He was dedicated and always had the results to back it up. Kalen got things done, and he pushed those around him to find that drive in themselves.

Kalen had his heart set on being a man of determination and passion, and he fought to live that out. Some days it was two steps forward and two steps back, but he was always in the struggle of being what he knew he could be.

He began his relationship with God as a young boy and rededicated his life to God July 3, 2015. One of the last things Kalen did on this earth was watch the sun set on the ocean knowing he would be going home to be with both his Heavenly Father and his earthly father.

Kalen had many people love and pour into his life: his mother Kristi Rogers; his second mom, Jessica Eldred Betts and bonus mom Penny Rogers; his father who preceded him in death, Charles Eldred, his second dad, Rick Rogers and bonus dad Cory Betts; his sisters Charis Coates and Emery Eldred; his brother Leyton Eldred. He also had the love of his bonus brothers: John Betts, Christian Betts, Nicholas Betts and Samual Betts. Kalen had the love of many grandparents including his grandmother Donna Scott; grandfathers Wayne Eldred and William Burch, and his grandmothers who preceded him in death Sandra Eldred and Donna Hunt. Kalen had many bonus grandparents that included John and Carolyn, and L.D. and Ann Moser. Kalen was loved by many aunt, uncles, and cousins; the Eldred’s, the Finley’s, the Best’s, the Hunsucker’s, the Foster’s, the Marr/Darrington family, the Krisman’s, and the Moser/ Hickerson family.

A celebration of Kalen will be held at Grace Point Church in Bentonville, Arkansas Saturday, December 17th at 4PM. All who love and would like to honor Kalen may attend. Feel free to rock any Chiefs apparel or bright colors.

We will always be with you, Kalen. This side or the other. You and dad no longer carry the pain, but we ache for you. We love you forever and for always. You touched so many lives, more than you would ever know. We will miss your big hugs; you always gave the best ones!

To send flowers please address to Eldred family and send them to 1829 El Contento Circle Bentonville, AR 72712.