Obituary of Paul Franklin Elston

Paul Franklin Elston, 82, of Winfield, MO passed away on Saturday, January 7, 2017 at St. Joseph West Hospital in Lake St. Louis, MO. Paul was born January 23, 1934 in rural Winfield to Roy Frank and Daserine Myrtle (Smith) Elston. Paul attended local schools. He was a charter member of the First Baptist Church of Moscow Mills, a member of Carpenters’ Local 32 in Winfield, and an active carpenter for 35 years. He was also a member of the Missouri Air National Guard for 3 ½ years, and served in the U.S. Army from 1956-1958, during which time he was stationed in Germany. Paul also served in the Army Reserves. Paul was married to Betty Lusse Elston at New Salem Baptist Church by Rev. J.K. East on December 24, 1956. This union was blessed with three daughters: Susan Jean, Paula Kay, and Nancy Jane. Paul loved his family, farming, hunting, fishing, and woodworking. He also enjoyed fixing broken machinery, toys, and necklaces because his daughters always said when something broke “That’s O.K., Dad can fix it!” Paul was preceded in death by his parents Roy and Daserine; and his sister Alice Elston Chambers. He is survived by his wife of 60 years Betty Lusse Elston of Winfield; three daughters: Susan Jean Elston of Winfield, Paula Elston Bals and husband, Randy of Old Monroe, and Nancy Elston Whiston and husband Tom, of Palmyra; 11 grandchildren: Kelly Camp and husband, Landon of Defiance, Rachel Kaufman and husband, Joe of St. Peters, Andrew Beckemeier and wife, Lara of Winfield, Laura Dear and husband, James of St. Charles, Matthew Bals and wife, Jenny of Winfield, Stephanie Bals of Old Monroe, Jessica Bals of Old Monroe, James Whiston and wife, Abby of Palmyra, Levi Whiston of Palmyra, Sarah Whiston of Palmyra, Elizabeth Whiston of Palmyra, 7 great-grandchildren and another great-grandchild due January 28, 2017; 3 sisters: Ruby Elston Lindsey and husband, Larry, of Ashland, Norma Elston Sommer of O’Fallon, and Phyllis Elston Duncan and husband, Howard, of Winfield; and many other relatives and friends. Visitation will be held at the Carter Ricks Funeral Home in Winfield on Tuesday, January 10, 2017 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Funeral services will also be held at the Carter Ricks Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 11, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. with burial in New Salem Cemetery near Winfield. Memorials may be made to New Salem Cemetery in care of Carter-Ricks Funeral Home, 3838 East Highway 47, P.O. Box 253, Winfield, MO 63389.