Eldon Kenward Klocke, 85, of Colony, MO died Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at Fulton Manor Care Center in Fulton, Missouri.
Eldon was born on September 26, 1939, in Kirksville, Missouri, the son of Paul Robert and Alma Blanche McEwen Klocke.
He attended school at Edina, Missouri, where he graduated from Edina High School in the Class of 1957. Eldon also attended the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri for two years following high school.
On March 7, 1962, in Knox City, Missouri, Eldon married Judith Ann Wilson. Following their marriage, they relocated to Lawton, OK while Eldon was enlisted in the US Army Auxiliary Artillery where he was designated Sharpshooter (rifle) and Expert (carbine). Following Eldon’s discharge from the Army, they relocated to rural Edina, MO and was a member of the US Army Reserves where he reached the rank of Sergeant. In 1973, they moved to Colony, MO to make their home.
Eldon’s occupation upon returning from the service was farming in Edina and later Colony as well as a Garst Seed Company Dealer. In 1974, the family had the honor of being selected for the “Farm Family Award” at the Missouri State Fair. In the early 1990’s Eldon began driving a semi-truck for many years, crossing many of the 48 contiguous states prior to his retirement.
Eldon was initially a member of the Edina Christian Church, later ordained as a deacon at the Colony Baptist Church and following the closure of the church attended Knox City Baptist Church. He was a member of the Colony Masonic Lodge #168 A.F. & A.M., a member of the Knox City American Legion Post 358, active in the Farm Bureau board, and a sponsor of the Knox County 4-H Program. He also was a member of the Knox County Jaycee’s and the Golden Eagles Motorcycle Club for several years. Eldon served as Knox County Presiding Commissioner in 1989/1990 and served on the Republican Committee board.
Eldon was close to completing his bucket list of visiting every state in the country with only Nevada and North Dakota remaining. He was extremely proud of taking trips to Alaska in 2021 and Hawaii in 2023 and loved to share the photos that he took. He enjoyed driving his motorcycles and sports cars, attending tractor pulls and races, deer hunting, water skiing, visiting friends at the coffee shops and local restaurants, and spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He will be greatly missed.
Eldon is survived by three daughters, Karla (David) Sanders of Kirksville, Missouri, Rhonda (John) Bruce of Overland Park, Kansas, and Connie (David) Epperson of Fulton, Missouri; six grandchildren, Nikki (Josh) Burgoon of Shawnee, Kansas, Brittney (Lawrence) Rukse of Fulton, Missouri, Kirsten (Raven) Craig of Quincy, Illinois, Courtney Bruce of Garland, Texas, Taylor (Freddie III) Manor of Belton, Missouri and Kaitlyn Epperson of Kansas City, Missouri; nine great grandchildren, Annalise Craig of Quincy, Illinois, Grace and Jack Burgoon of Shawnee, Kansas, Brody and Leona Rukse of Fulton, MO, and Briella, Freddie IV, Kaia and Taytum Manor of Belton, Missouri; one brother, Glen Klocke of Edina, Missouri, one sister, Anita (John Clauson) Miller of Knox City, Missouri; three brothers-in-law, Doug (Alma) Wilson of Knox City, Missouri, Mike (Linda) Wilson of Knox City, Missouri, and James Laney of Columbia, Missouri; along with a host of nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.
Eldon was preceded in death by his wife, Judy Klocke; son, Brian Klocke; grandson, Brennan Sanders; parents, Paul and Blanche Klocke; in-laws, Shelton and Marjorie Wilson; sisters-in-law, Mary Lynn Laney, Velma Wilson and Shirley Klocke, and brother-in-law, Donnie Wilson.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at the Doss Funeral Home in Edina, MO. Pastor Doug Wilson will officiate the services.
Visitation will be between 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Friday, January 31, 2025, at the Doss Funeral Home with Masonic services at 6:00 p.m.
Burial with military honors will be held will be in the Colony Cemetery in Colony, Missouri to follow.
Casket Bearers will be David Sanders, John Bruce, Dave Epperson, John P. Miller, Eric Miller, Robert Klocke, and James Wilson. Honorary Bearers will be Shawn Wilson, Norman Primm, Bobby Pape, Allan See, Ed See, Clay See, Lee Walters, and Bill Brown.
An expression of sympathy in memory of Eldon Klocke may be made to the Knox County Nutrition Site, Knox City Baptist Church, Parkinsons Foundation or the Donor’s Choice. A memorial may be left at or mailed to the Doss Funeral Home 208 N. 4th Street, Edina, Missouri 63537.