Eugene Francis “Jack” Elliott  



this saddens me a great deal, in ways that won't mean a thing to anyone not from my home town. he was a good man. another piece of my world pulled away and falling into shadow. this wretched planet . . .



Eugene Francis “Jack” Elliott, 83, El Dorado Springs, was born on July 6, 1922, near Vista, to Frank and Cora Lea (Loftin) Elliott. He passed away on Dec. 25, 2005, in the Cedar County Memorial Hospital.

At an early age, Jack and his family moved to Roscoe where he graduated from the Roscoe High School in 1940. He worked on a well drilling rig until enlisting in the United States Army in 1942. He served until Christmas time in 1945, having served with the 31st Signal Company, 31st Division Dixie.

On Sept. 28, 1946, Jack married Sadie Eleanor Ballenger in Monett. They made their home in El Dorado Springs for almost 55 years, until her passing on Aug. 19, 2001.

Jack worked as an auto mechanic for dealerships in Nevada and El Dorado Springs until going into business for himself, sharing space with Vince Strain in the shop at 303 E. Spring Street. When Vince retired, Jack bought the business and it became Elliott Garage and was open until his death.

Jack had an interest in boats. He was the service man for C.A. Hedricks for several years which led to his buying the Evinrude dealership in 1970. For 25 years, he worked on many outboards and boats in this area.

When his son, Owen, graduated from high school in 1969, he joined his father in the family business.

Around 1955, Jack became a member of the El Dorado Springs Volunteer Fire Department, serving as a fire fighter, assistant chief, and in 1976, becoming chief. In spite of health problems, he still would respond to calls and offer his help or advice to the younger members. He was still “The Chief” at his passing.

Jack was an avid bowler and golfer and was well known around the bowling alley and golf course. Even if he wasn't playing, he would watch others that were.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sadie; his parents, Frank and Cora; his first son, Phillip Nolan; and an older brother who died in infancy.

Survivors include his son, Owen Elliott and his wife - Shauna - El Dorado Springs; his daughter, Ava Lynne Green and her husband - Dan - Sevierville - TN; two brothers, Ralph Elliott and his wife - Fern - Lowry City and Theodore Scott Elliott and his wife - Lena - El Dorado Springs; one sister, Faye Doyle - Clinton; his granddaughter, Angela Cluck and her husband - Scott; two great-grandchildren, Kausha and Blake Cluck - all of El Dorado Springs; and many, many friends, colleagues and customers.

Services will begin at 2 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 30, in the Church of God (Holiness) with Rev. Leland Trussell officiating.

Interment will be in the El Dorado Springs Cemetery under the direction of the Hackleman and Sons Funeral Home, El Dorado Springs. Pallbearers will be Russ Hayes, Ron Brown, Bob Floyd, Leo Green, Jay Schwalm and Dwight Kennett. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the El Dorado Springs Fire department.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Heart Association.

 

Posted: Thu - December 29, 2005 at 05:29 PM             |

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