Esco Leon Elmer, age 83 years 11 mos. & 11 days, was born April 23, 1931, in Omaha,Arkansas, to Rutherford Hayes and Naomi Ethel (Beard) Elmer. Esco went peacefully to his heavenly home at 4:20 p.m. April 03, 2015, in Clinton, MO.

He was a very loving and deeply devoted son, brother, husband and father. He lived his life right to the end always thinking of others. May 30, 1954, in Marionville MO, Esco married Daisy Ellen White. To this union, 7 children were born. Debra Ann (Doug) Biellier of Mt Vernon MO, Connie Sue (Stan) Charles of Clinton MO, Donna Jean (Mark) Morris of Mt Vernon MO, Esco Leon Elmer, Jr. (Teresa) of Harrisonville MO, Timothy Dale (Della) Elmer of Summerville SC, Terry Lee (Jania) Elmer of Kansas City MO and Mark Alan (Melinda) Elmer of Adrian MO. Esco loved his 19 grandchildren and got pleasure out of seeing his 8 great-grandchildren.

Esco grew up on a farm with five sisters and two brothers. He went to grade school in Omaha then boarded and worked at The School of the Ozarks, Branson, MO for grades 8 – 12. Upon completion of high school,he attended The University of Arkansas where he pursued a civil
engineering degree. June 1952 Esco was then called for military duty, serving in the 8th Army, 1st Field Artillery Observation Battalion. He served in the United States Army in the Korean War where he provided forward reconnaissance survey for the artillery battery. After 2 years active duty and 4 years reserve he received an honorable discharge. He returned to the States to marry Daisy, with whom he had corresponded for the last 10 months during the war. This began a life of moving all around the United States, working on different dams, power houses, and bridges for the Army Corps of Engineers and various other companies. He enjoyed staying busy and carpentry was his hobby. Many received hand crafted items made by Esco. He participated in many church building projects as he relocated about the country.

He attended church from an infant to adult life and was a member of Marionville Assembly of God Church. He regularly served as Sunday school teacher, superintendent, deacon and counselor. He always encouraged music and singing. He played the violin and clarinet. He recently had moved to Clinton MO and was attending the First Baptist Church. He was a faithful Christian and lived his life committed to serving God.

Preceding Esco in death were his wife Daisy, his parents Rutherford & Ethel Elmer, 1 brother Blaine Elmer, 2 sisters Lessie Speed and Colene Croft, and 1 grandson Aaron Biellier.

Esco is survived by his 7 children, 18 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, three sisters, Lois Anderson of Topeka KS, Vivian Crowder of Oklahoma City OK, Gussie Redfearn of Bois'D Arc MO, one brother, Owen Elmer of Omaha AR, many other relatives & friends.

Pallbearers: Hollie Konneman, Micah Charles, Daniel Morris, Justin Elmer, Ellen Elmer and Hayden Elmer.

Funeral service will be held on April 7, 2015 at the Assembly of God Church at 11:30 A.M. in Marionville, Missouri, visitation will take place one hour prior to service. Interment at the Marionville IOOF Cemetery. Family suggests memorial contributions to Twin Lakes Hospice and may be left in care of the funeral home. Fond memories and condolences may be left online at www.vansantmillsfuneralhome.com.