David Edward Eidson

Colonel David Edward Eidson, U.S. Army (Retired), peacefully passed away on March 30, 2025, at Frye Regional Medical Center. He was born on January 5, 1936, at home in Statesville, NC, to the late Isaac Clarence and Hazel Eidson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Wally McHargue Eidson; his children, Keith and Tricia Eidson; his brother, Donald Eidson; and a special friend, Edna Lane.

He is survived by his grandchildren, Jessica Criswell (Chastain) of Gastonia, Taylor Matthews (Michael) of Walnut Cove, and Patrick Eidson (Jordan) of Conover. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Madison Criswell, Luke Eidson, and Miller and Hazel Matthews; his sisters, Peggy Gardner and Lorraine White; companion, Geneva Barlowe, and many special friends who were like family to him.

David grew up in Statesville, North Carolina, and married his wife, Wally, in May of 1955. He joined the U.S. Army before graduating from high school and was stationed at Fort Benning, GA, when their son, Keith, was born in 1956, followed by their daughter, Tricia, in 1958. David served both active and reserve duty in the U.S. Army, retiring as a Colonel in 1996. During his 38 years of service, he was awarded The Meritorious Service Medal, the U.S. Army Commendation Medal, The National Defense Service Medal, and the U.S. Army Service Ribbon among others.

Following his military career, David embarked on a successful and decorated path in the furniture industry. He managed numerous hotels and worked at the Hickory Furniture Mart before co-founding Trade Shows, Inc. with Wally in 1985—in the living room of their home. Their children joined the family business in 1987, and together they produced and managed woodworking expos for the furniture industry until 2010.

David was a true servant, dedicating his life to his country, his community, and his family. He was instrumental in founding the Family Care Center in Hickory, NC, which serves homeless families with dependent children through emergency and transitional residential programs. He supported many charitable organizations throughout his life and also supported his community by his almost daily trips to Homer’s for a country ham on toast.

An avid traveler, David was fortunate to visit all seven continents during his lifetime, often accompanied by family and friends. He meticulously and joyfully documented all his adventures and has left a catalogue of memories.

While David’s life was marked by numerous professional accomplishments, his greatest legacy was the deep and enduring relationships he cultivated with his family and friends. He was humble, gracious, strong, and kind—and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Family Care Center: Family Care Center 2875 Highland Ave NE Hickory, NC 28601 Or online at: www.familycare-center.org under “Make a Donation,” or to a charitable organization of your choice.

A visitation will be held at Jenkins Funeral Home in the Celebration Center; 4081 Startown Road Newton, NC 28658, on Wednesday, April 2nd from 6-8pm.

A service of remembrance will take place on Thursday, April 3rd in the Jenkins Funeral Home Chapel at 2pm followed by a graveside service at 4pm at Rose Chapel United Methodist Church in Statesville, NC, with full military honors.

Please sign the online guestbook on the Memorial Wall at www.jenkinsfuneralhome.net. The Eidson family has entrusted arrangements to Jenkins Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Newton 828-464-1555.