Elton Gene Wenneker, 95, of Middletown, passed away at 11:05 p.m. on Friday, March 10, 2023, at Boone Hospital in Columbia.
Visitation will be held on March 16th., from 1 p.m.-2 p.m. at Myers Funeral Home, followed by the funeral service at 2 p.m. Burial will follow immediately after at the Fairmount Cemetery in Middletown.
Elton was born on February 18, 1928, in Wellsville. He was the son of Elton Henry and Genevieve Rose (Martin) Wenneker. On July 29, 1950, he married Arlene Lowery in Hannibal. They were married for almost 64 years before Arlene's death on January 30, 2014.
Elton was a U.S. Army corporal who served during the Korean War for two years, and the Army reserves for five years upon his return home.
Elton was a respected farmer and cattleman. He built an Angus cattle herd, and sold many bulls across Missouri and neighboring states. He was one of the first producers of Wessex Saddleback hogs in the state of Missouri. Prior to becoming a farmer, Elton also ran a trucking company, and on occasion was an auctioneer.
He was a member of the American Angus Association, the Local ASC board and the West Prairie Community Church in rural Middletown.
He enjoyed time on the farm with his dog Waggs who followed Elton wherever he went.
Survivors include three daughters, Marilynn Gushard (Paul), of San Juan Capistrano, Calif., Karen Lee Wyatt, of Ft. Mill, S.C., and Sharon Wenneker-Dziadosz (David), of Jefferson City; three grandchildren, Tiffini Pollacci (Jason), of Waxhaw, N.C., Nathan R. Dziadosz (Lynette), of Jefferson City, and Dave Dziadosz (Sabrina), of Jefferson City; 14 great grandchildren, Hannah, Caden and Gavin Pollacci, John (Shannon) Sánchez, Carla Dziadosz, Jason Harrison, Dylan and Kaylynn Dziadosz, Bently, Abel, Jude Vandeberg, Asher, Theo, and Remi Hapgood-Sánchez; and two great-great grandchildren, Nathan J. Dziadosz, and Katara Pollacci. He is also survived by Betty Jarboe and her family.
In addition to his wife Arlene, he was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Kathleen Lionberger; and one brother-in-law, Richard Lionberger.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Central Missouri Honor Flight. They may be sent in care of Myers Funeral Home, 203 E. Bates Street, Wellsville, MO 63384
Condolences may be given at myersfuneralhome.biz.
