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Eldon was more than a magical friend—he was a father, grandfather, performer, creative spirit, and a friend to many. A longtime member of Ring 239 of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, Eldon passed away on August 9, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of joy, generosity, artistry, and unwavering devotion to his family and community.
From a young age, Eldon was drawn to magic. His journey into wonder began with something simple—a box of Cracker Jack that contained a small magic trick. That spark of curiosity grew into a lifelong passion. What began as childhood fascination became a remarkable vocation, as Eldon evolved into a magician, illusionist, designer, writer, teacher, and creator of magic.
He founded E.R.M.S. in Virden, Illinois—a company that became far more than a business. It was a creative home where Eldon designed illusions, built props, wrote for magic publications, and mentored fellow magicians. Through White Magic Manufacturing, his original creations reached performers around the world, extending his influence far beyond his hometown.
Eldon was not just a performer—he was a storyteller. Whether sharing close-up magic with a few, presenting a stage show, or producing a full-scale illusion performance, he brought people together in shared wonder. He believed magic was not only meant to entertain, but to inspire. Through lectures, writings, and quiet encouragement, he helped others grow and pushed the boundaries of creativity.
Yet beyond all of this, Eldon’s greatest role was within his family. He made his home in Virden, where his presence brought comfort and his laughter brought light. He was a steady source of support, encouragement, and love for his son, grandchildren, and the many friends who became like family. He showed his love in both simple, everyday moments and in life’s most meaningful milestones.
Eldon carried his talents with humility. He did not seek recognition, but rather found joy in sharing his passion—for magic, for people, and for the beauty of wonder. He gave freely of his time and knowledge, always ready to offer guidance, encouragement, or a helping hand. He had a gift not just for creating magic, but for making the world around him better.
He is survived by his wife, Leah, and his son, Troy. Troy and his wife, Heather, blessed Eldon with two grandchildren, Connor and Madeline, whom he adored deeply. His legacy lives on in them, and in all who were touched by his kindness, creativity, and spirit.
Eldon’s magic lives on—in every moment of astonishment, every smile of wonder, and every story shared in his memory. He reminded us that wonder matters, creativity matters, and above all, love—steady, kind, and generous—is the greatest magic of all.
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I first met Eldon in the early 1980s when I photographed his promotional material for his State Fair show. As part of my payment, I asked if he would teach me a few magic tricks—something I could use to help relax nervous clients during photo sessions.
He agreed, and as I picked things up quickly, he encouraged me to pursue magic as a hobby. I took his advice, and it became something I’ve enjoyed ever since—both professionally and just for the pure joy of it.
Over the years, that first meeting grew into a lasting friendship. Eldon became one of my best friends, and I count myself lucky to have known him. I had the privilege of watching him not only as a talented magician, but as the truly remarkable person he was.
I met Eldon sometime in the 1990’s. He was one of my first “encouragers” while I was learning then performed Illusions. Although we did not see each other on a regular basis, I was able to attend a few of his shows when able. Eldon was always gracious, even when I bugged him.
One blessing & story Eldon gave me came through his son Troy. On a Monday Troy came to my son’s Daniel grade school to perform his juggling show. During that week Daniel wanted to practice with Tennis Balls, and by Thursday Night able to do a good routine. On Friday I was to perform my magic show for his class & Daniel said he wanted to try to show what he had learned. Before I got to the school, I received word from my wife Carrie that her father was dying. When I talked to the teacher I asked if I could chat with Daniel to update him. He said he wanted to proceed with the show. A (6th?) Grader realizing that the “Show must go on” and doing a Great Juggling routine with one week of learning. BTW last Christmas Daniel wanted a new juggling set which I gave to him in memory of Eldon & Troy!
Thank You Eldon for your Friendship and the Legacy you left us!
Eldon
Eldon was and is my best friend.
And I could write a book about all the adventures we shared.
I met him in the early-mid 70s at an IBM meeting I believe. And we became friends right away.
Early 1977 he helped me build the box and plan for my first buried alive. We worked late at night at Brinks on 6th and Monroe (I believe) building that box while we talked and shared other ideas we had.
Later that year I did the escape and Eldon, Leah and Little Troy did the Illusion show !
2 years later we did it all again at the state fair Colosseum.
Eldon helped me with a lot of things. Built several illusions for me over the years including my favorite The Zig Zag. Eldon built one like no other! He even built one and brought it to me in Atlanta Ga when I started doing shows on the east coast.
But he built one illusion we both had to laugh at. He built me a very nice looking broom stick suspension. Specifically for the Illinois State fair. Illinois theater.
The theme for the fair that year was “Back to the Good old days”. (1979 or 1980🤷🏻♂️ ) anyway I wanted the broom stick suspension to fit the theme.
So everything was going smooth. About 600 people watching. I do all the magicial gesters Bring the girls legs up so they were horazonal to the floor and floating. Graceful music in the background and the audience were spellbound!
Lol go to bring her legs down and it wasn’t happening. I tried and tried and tried.
Long story short, I made a few more magical gestures and left her floating. And luckily she was upstage so as I took a bow and walked down stage to the mic the curtain closed behind me (hiding her) to a roaring applause!
The funny part that I shared with Eldon was that as soon as that curtain closed I could hear that poor girl yelling and cussing get me down. Get me down! lol.
Of course Eldon came right out and made the adjustments But as I sit here writing this I can see and hear Eldon laughing over it with me.
One time I was in rehearsal on stage and some reporter was there and wanted to see me demonstrate hypnosis. So we were on stage and I had an assistant volunteer so I hypnotized the girl while the reporter watched. What I didn’t realize was that Eldon was setting in the empty theater watching.
After it was all over Eldon came running up. Mick mick your not going to believe this but you hypnotized me too. lol I was surprised and so was he but we both laughed.
There are so many moments we had together.
Like the time we worked with the Helen Reddy (I am woman song) Show doing an escape stunt in front of the grandstand. We pissed her off (out of character for Eldon but his idea) but she deserved it.
Or the times Eldon and Tony Libri would come over to the magic shop at the Forum 30 and I’d put an out to lunch sign on the door and we would go down to the speak easy and drink our lunch. lol always a good time.
Eldon was the nicest person I’ve ever met bar none. He didn’t care if you were straight or gay, black or white Democrat or republican. He could be your friend. I’ve never heard him speak about religion, politics or anything controversial. And have never heard him say a bad thing about anyone. He was truly a good person.
We have many memories and if it wasn’t for Eldon I couldn’t have done half the things I did.
So thank you Eldon for everything. hope to see you again. Mick
Beyond being the consummate performer, Eldon was just simply a kind and generous human being. I did not know him well, but he was always friendly and supportive. He will be missed.
Over the years, Eldon and I became the best of friends, more than best of friends, more like family, He was like a brother to me. Over the years, my friendship with Eldon included many wonderful times as we shared our love for the art of magic and illusions, our love of the game of blackjack, the many fun nights when we teamed up with Leah, Nancy and others for Troy’s Trivia nights, and the many magic conventions, magic shows, and lectures we attended.
Eldon was an amazing Magician and illusionist. In his performances, you could see that he spent many hours working on the routines, making them smooth and flawless, to the point that it looked truly magical, the sign of a true professional magician!
Eldon was truly a genius when it came to the technical side of magic. He was a consultant to many magicians and entertainers and he was the guy who was always willing to share his knowledge, his skills, and his techniques to help other magicians learn new routines, and to help them become more successful as entertainers! Eldon was the “go to guy” for some of the top entertainers who were looking to create a specific magic effect. It seemed like there wasn’t any problem he couldn’t solve. He was just an amazing and talented mentor and a close friend to so many! I, like so many of you, think about and miss him every day, but I have many memories of all of the great times we had together.
What can I say that already has not been said? I believe I first met Eldon when the Virden and Springfield crew came down to Hazelwood, MO to one of my first jobs. Magic Recipe Pizza was the name of the restaurant, started by Bob and Chris Blattel and then sold to the Lackeys. Gene DeVoe sent, Fred Wood, Stan Burris, Steve Steer and Eldon Rourke my way. Having never met these gentlemen, it would become a life long friendship with each and every one of them. As a matter of fact they booked me for my second lecture ever. The first being of course in St. Louis. I remember staying with the Woods in Virden, IL and Eldon would always come over and Fred, Eldon and I would session often. Eldon’s thinking on magic was ahead of its time. I would frequent Springfield many times over the years staying with Stan and Barb, occasionally Steve and Ann but would always see Eldon on these trips as well. Eldon had a quite charm about him, a caring and thoughtful individual who always put others ahead of himself. He introduced me to the Famous Horseshoe sandwich. Thank you for your friendship over the years Eldon. We love you and miss you.