Longtime school custodian is Lundy Elementary’s namesake

The 19 children enrolled at Lundy Elementary School probably know each other well but maybe not the namesake of their place of learning.

Earl B. Lundy spent 18 years in the halls of the school, 4405 Yellow Pine Ave. near Highway 157 on Mount Charleston, when it went by Mt. Charleston Elementary School . He was head custodian and food service manager to the school, and he was "there with a smile and a helping hand for each child," according to Clark County School District records as written by Patrick L. Herron.

After winter storms, Lundy was the point person to clear snow from the roof and sidewalks so the students enter the building safely, Herron wrote.

Lundy was one of the founders of the Mount Charleston Volunteer Fire Department and drove the fire truck and ambulance. In his mountain home, he had the only CB radio base station in the area for a time, Herron added.

Lundy was born in Slater, Iowa, on Oct. 24, 1918. He served in the U.S. Army from 1938 to 1945. He remained in the Army Reserves until 1947.

Before his time serving the residents of Mount Charleston, he was a special agent for the Railway Express Agency for 30 years, Herron wrote.

Lundy died in August 1999 at age 80.

The late Mount Charleston historian Dick Taylor documented that Lundy married his wife, Charline , in Las Vegas in 1946, and Lundy's "best man and legal witness was a taxi driver." The couple didn't live in the area but returned for good about 14 years later.

Lundy became a long-time resident of Mount Charleston after purchasing a cabin around 1960, said Mark Hall-Patton, administrator for the Clark County Museum system.

In 2000, a request was submitted to change the elementary school's name to honor Lundy . The school was rededicated as Earl B. Lundy Elementary on Sept. 19, 2001, after 35 years as Mt. Charleston Elementary School.

The school's mascot is the cougar, and the motto is, "A school with a view." There are 19 children enrolled in the school, which has grades kindergarten through fifth grade.

Outgoing school principal Katy Christensen said it's school lore that Lundy was a diligent servant.

"He never took a sick day or absence," she said.

Lundy had three sons and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Christensen said at least two of Lundy's grandchildren were educated in Indian Springs schools, which also are a part of the Clark County School District.

For more information on Lundy Elementary School, call 872-5438.

Contact Centennial and Paradise View reporter Maggie Lillis at mlillis@viewnews.com or 477-3839.