Eldon Ernest Minkler

Eldon Ernest Minkler was born October 19, 1915 in Smith County Kansas near Reamsville. He departed this life May 16, 2012. He was the oldest son in a family of nine children. Eldon was born a twin. His twin sister, Esther was still born. His parents were Ernest Myron and Bertha Nettie Minkler. In 1935 Eldon left Smith County and moved to Anderson County to be near his grandmother and his sister, Ruth. He met Waneta Mae Hicks whom he married October 3, 1936 in Iola, Kansas. Soon after their marriage Eldon and his wife moved back to Smith County, Kansas. In April 1937, they moved to Colorado where they spent almost 40 years of their life. They lived on the eastern plains of Colorado near Colorado Springs where Eldon was a farmer and a rancher. This life was very dear to his heart but due to failing health he was forced to give up this rugged life in 1972 after which he moved to Florence, Colorado where they resided until November 1975 when they moved to Richter Community west of Ottawa, Kansas. In 2002, they moved to Topeka, Kansas. In 2004 after the death of his wife, Waneta, Eldon moved to Smith Center, Kansas where he resided until his death at 96 years. Eldon is survived by two sons, Eldon Leon Minkler of Lakewood, Colorado and Larry Eugene Minkler of Pueblo, Colorado and one brother, Lloyd Minkler of Smith Center, Kansas. He is also survived by three granddaughters, Sandy Brodgon, Jody Minkler and Stacey Minkler and one great grandson, Matthew Taylor Brodgon. Eldon’s dear wife, Waneta Mae Minkler, departed life October 24, 2004. His siblings Melvin Minkler, Ralph Minkler, Buelah Black, Goldie Bronson, Ruth Correll and Luella Daniels preceded him in death. He was a loving, faithful and devoted husband and father and will be sadly missed by all who knew him. SERVICES: Funeral Services will be held at the Dengel & Son Mortuary in Ottawa 10:00 A.M. Monday, May 21, 2012. IN STATE: Mr. Minkler will lie in state at the Dengel & Son Mortuary from 1:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. Sunday where the family will meet with friends 9:00 A.M. Monday prior to the service.. CEMETERY: Princeton Cemetery. MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. An online guest book is available at www.dengelmortuary.com.