H. Clark Eilenstine

H. Clark Eilenstine, age 94, of Ottawa, Kansas, formerly of Rantoul, died Saturday, October 24, 2009. He was born on Sunday, June 6, 1915, in Lebanon, Missouri. He was the son of Hubert and Ethel Mae (Patrick) Eilenstine. He moved with his family to a farm in Gardner in 1918, and after marriage lived in rural Gardner and rural Spring Hill, moving to Rantoul in 1976 and Ottawa in November of 2003. Clark attended schools in Gardner and Wellsville, graduating in 1934. While a young man, he worked for Santa Fe Railroad, later becoming a steelworker for J & J Metal Products of Paola, where he was employed thirty-four years, retiring as a superintendent in 1980. He was also a lifelong farmer. He was a member of Ruhamah Baptist Church, where he was song leader for sixteen years, and Trustee, six; former member of Power of the Past; 4-H Leader eight years in Miami County; and Modern Woodmen member. In 1936, Clark was united in marriage with Thelma Fruit. They later divorced. On Thursday, March 4, 1976, Clark was united in marriage with Doris M. (Miller) Pearson in Rantoul, Kansas. She survives of their home. He is survived by his: Wife-Doris Eilenstine of their home Son-Donald Eilenstine & his wife, Doreen, of Seneca Falls, New York Daughter-Margie Elliot & her husband, John, of Arlington, Texas Son-Duane Eilenstine & his wife, Irene, of Garnett, Kansas Son-Raymond Eilenstine & his wife, Kathy, of Burlington, Iowa Daughter-Barbara Gravitt & her husband, Jerry, of Wagoner, Oklahoma Son-Larry Eilenstine & his wife, Donna, of Edgerton, Kansas Daughter-Patricia Archer & her husband, David, of Belton, Missouri Son-Gregg Eilenstine & his wife, Jeanette, of Spring Hill, Kansas Many grandchildren, great-grandchildren & great-great-grandchildren Stepdaughter-Judith R. Hauch of Watervliet, Michigan Stepdaughter-Joyce Milroy & her husband, Ron, of Silver Lake, Kansas Stepson-Dale Pearson & his wife, Patty, of Ottawa, Kansas Stepson-Calvin Pearson of Rantoul, Kansas Step grandchildren-Seven Step great-grandchildren-Seven Clark is preceded in deathby his: Parents-Hubert and Ethel Mae (Patrick) Eilenstine Daughter-Annette Miller Infant Daughter-Betty Lou Sister-Virginia Collins Sister-Lucille Eaton Brother-Edward Eilenstine One Grandson SERVICES: Funeral services will be held from the Dengel & Son Mortuary in Ottawa at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 29, 2009. IN STATE: Friends may pay their respects to Mr. Eilenstine at the Dengel & Son Mortuary after 9:00 a.m. Wednesday to service hour, where the family will meet with friends from 7:00 to 8:00 Wednesday evening. CEMETERY: Ruhamah Cemetery in Rantoul, Kansas. MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorial contributions to Ruhamah Baptist Church or Midland Hospice, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.