Eldon Keith Simler, 89, of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away Thursday, January 5, 2023 at Kirksville Manor Care Center.
The son of the late Arthur Holland and Gracia Ella (Waddill) Simler, he was born August 28, 1933 in Kirksville, Missouri. On June 24, 1956 in Green Castle, Missouri, Keith was united in marriage to Wanda Parmley who preceded him in death on March 6, 2014. He was also preceded in death by one brother, Darrell Simler, and three sisters, Margie Wood, Mavis Young, and Neva Jean Barnhill.
Keith is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Mark and Sandi Simler and Paul and Kristi Simler all of Kirksville, MO; six grandchildren, Jennifer (Robert) McGlothlin of Ft. Worth, TX, Nathan (Crystal) Simler of Kirksville, MO, Wesley (Celia) Simler of Kirksville, MO, Justin Simler of Kirksville, MO, Haleigh (Dakota) DeVolld, and Eliott and fiancé Grace Mountain of Kirksville, MO; four great-grandchildren, Rian McGlothlin and Jaida McGlothlin both of Ft. Worth, TX, Addison Simler and Parker Simler both of Kirksville, MO; as well as a number of nieces and nephews.
Keith was a graduate of Kirksville High School. In 1956, Keith served his country in the United State Army overseas in France. After being honorably discharged he returned home and attended Northeast Missouri State Teachers College where he graduated with a BS in Industrial Arts. He began teaching in a one room school house in Southwest Adair County before transferring to Callao public school where he taught industrial arts over thirty years and served as Elementary Principal. Keith and his wife Wanda owned and operated Simler Dog Kennel, L.L.C. for a number of years.
Keith enjoyed deer hunting and arrowhead hunting, but most of all he loved time spent with his family.
Keith was a member of Kirksville Moose Lodge #1751, served on the Union Temple Cemetery Board, and was a member of Union Temple Church.
Public visitation will be held Sunday, January 8, 2023 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 9, 2023 a Travis-Noe Funeral Home, with Philip Lyon officiating. Interment will follow the service at Union Temple Cemetery, west of Kirksville.
Pallbearers will be Nathan Simler, Wesley Simler, Justin Simler, Eliott Simler, Dakota DeVolld, and Rian McGlothlin. Honorary pallbearers will be Jennifer McGlothlin, Haleigh DeVolld, Crystal Simler, Celia Simler, and Grace Mountain.
Expressions of sympathy in memory of Keith may be made to the Union Temple Church or to Union Temple Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.