Elmer Leroy Schinkel, 95, of Mexico, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 17, 2023, at his home surrounded by his family.
Elmer was born on July 24, 1928 in Ava, Mo., the son of Cornelis “Casey” and Rosie (Hodges) Schinkel. He moved to Mexico in 1947 for a job at A.P. Green, he retired after 42 years in 1990.
On one of his bus rides from southern Missouri to Mexico, he met the love of his life, Amy Lois Howard. She told him she worked at the Spot Café in Fulton and was a Senior in school. He thought senior in college, but really it was High School. After that bus ride he told his friend, “I’m going to marry that girl”. After several trips to the Spot Café, he found her. They were married in 1950 and enjoyed 64 years together, until her death on February 9, 2014.
Elmer was hard working and enjoyed having a big garden. Many times, he shared his produce with family and friends. He lived a good life and was a well-respected member of the community.
In 1959, Elmer and Amy were baptized as Jehovah’s Witnesses. Even up until his death he enjoyed sharing his beliefs with neighbors and family. For several decades and up until his death, he served as an elder in the congregation in Mexico.
Survivors include two sons, Howard (Patricia) Schinkel of Mexico and Edwin (Liane) Schinkel of Wichita, Kan.; two grandchildren; Diane (Luke) Brumbaugh of Mexico and Ethan (Jenny) Schinkel of Derby, Kan.; two great-grandchildren, Jonah Brumbaugh of Mexico and Ezra Schinkel of Derby, Kan.; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Elmer was preceded in death by his wife, Amy Schinkel; parents Casey and Rosie Schinkel; two sisters, Ruby Alcorn and Anna Hughes.
The family requests memorial donations be made to the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 1300 S. Elmwood Drive, Mexico, Mo., 65265.
There will be a memorial service at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses on Sat., Dec. 9th, at 2:30 p.m. Available on Zoom: 812 9236 2613 password: Elmer1928.
