Elias “Eli” Bainbridge

Elias “Eli” Bainbridge

June 18, 1980 – February 23, 2024

Elias (Eli) Bainbridge was born on June 18, 1980, and passed away on February 23, 2024.  He was blessed to be in the adoptive home of his wonderful and loving mother, Penny Bainbridge.  He was surrounded by friends and family who became a lasting part of his life growing up.

Eli was a life-long resident of Omaha and attended Harrison Elementary, Lewis and Clark Junior High and graduated from Central High School. He wrestled during high school and was involved with every play and musical.  He went on to attend McPherson College, Kearney State College, and UNO.  His dedication to the Brethren Faith was the cornerstone of his life. His beliefs led to a two-year commitment to the Brethren Volunteer Service in Washington, D.C.  While in Washington, D.C., Eli worked with the Center on Conscience and War.  He was currently employed with Brandeis Catering.

Eli was an avid reader and loved to engage in intellectual discussions on any topic.  He was a die-hard sports fan and dearly loved his Nebraska football team.  He will be greatly missed by family and friends, and remembered for his willingness to help, and gentle kindness to all.  He was predeceased by his dear aunt, Carol Houtart; and survived by his mother, Penny Bainbridge; uncle, Allan Patterson; and many cousins.

FUNERAL SERVICE: Saturday, March 2nd, at 3:00 p.m. at West Center Chapel.

17 Comments

  • Jane Williams Posted February 28, 2024 12:26 pm

    Always and forever in our hearts 💕 we will miss him. 💔😇

  • Steve and Carin Stricker Posted February 28, 2024 2:34 pm

    Eli will be missed by all. His compassion, kindness, and sense of humor were all part of making him the man he was.

  • Bob and Nora Wagener Posted February 28, 2024 2:54 pm

    What a blessing Eli was in all of our lives. One of the sweetest souls I’ve ever met. Jesus, hold Eli close till we meet again.

  • Bob and Nora Wagener Posted February 28, 2024 3:09 pm

    Eli was such a blessing to so many people. We will miss his sweet spirit and sense of humor. Jesus, hold him close till we meet again. ❤️

  • Jim and Hope Gilmore Posted February 28, 2024 3:20 pm

    You have left this world earlier than expected but I know you are more at home than you’ve ever been. Every question is answered and you are embedded in love and peace for ever and ever and ever. Your gentle humble self will be so dearly missed. XOX

  • Scott and Kim Jordan Posted February 28, 2024 3:40 pm

    Eli left his legacy as the Gentle Giant who would help anyone in need, and one of the Lord’s faithful servants.

  • Bobette Joyner Posted February 28, 2024 4:00 pm

    Forever in my heart!!!!

  • Janie Rogers Posted February 28, 2024 6:18 pm

    Penny, heartbroken to hear of Eli’s passing, praying for Gods comfort to surround you. Eli was a gentle big teddy bear full of compassion for others with a smile that lit up the room. 💕

  • Leslie and Keith Duvall Posted February 28, 2024 7:03 pm

    So sorry for your loss. We always enjoyed talking to him. And he had such a big heart. We will miss him.

  • Julie Kraft Posted February 28, 2024 8:05 pm

    Penny- so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and sending hugs and love. -Julie

  • Gene and Christine Royer Posted February 29, 2024 7:18 am

    A truly gentle and loving man. He was like an adopted son to us.

  • Gary Kubik Posted February 29, 2024 3:03 pm

    I am very sorry for your loss. I was Eli’s wrestling coach at Central High School. Excellent student and athlete!. Had some great times on the mat. Always cooperative, and eager to learn.

  • Liz Sigler Posted March 1, 2024 8:14 pm

    Eli was liked by me, and many in elementary school, junior high, high school, college, and everything he was involved with. He was outgoing, full of energy, an excellent student, a great classmate in elementary school, he always made conversation, fun to talk to, he always asked things about you and other people, he was a good friend to many that he knew, I saw him at occasions over the years he liked seeing other friends and classmates, and he was always someone enthusiastic, friendly, bright, kind, fantastic, helpful, outstanding and talkative! He’ll be greatly missed by many that were fortunate to know someone as great as Eli was!

  • Liz Crnkovich Posted March 2, 2024 10:32 am

    Oh, Penny, such a loss to you, and to the world!

  • Anita and Tim Rush Posted March 13, 2024 8:36 am

    Penny – I think of you and Eli often. So sorry when I came across the write up on Eli.

  • Samuel Gahm Posted March 20, 2024 8:13 pm

    I just learned of Eli’s passing. I’m heartbroken. He was my childhood friend and I enjoyed going to church with him.

  • Elias Arunprasad Posted April 25, 2024 11:13 am

    Elias touched our lives. His infectious smile and beautiful presence struck a chord in every interaction and throughout our community. Rest easy, good friend.

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