I am the resurrection,
and the life:
he that believeth in me,
though he were dead, 
yet shall he live:
And whosoever liveth
and believeth in me
shall never die.
Believeth thou this? 

John 11:25, 26

Earl Estes Jr., 81, of Mexico passed from this life at noon on Wednesday, Oct 20. He was the loving and devoted husband of Mary Ruth (Meador) Estes of Mexico Manor.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, Oct 23 at Pickering Funeral Home with the Rev. Eric Stevens officiating. Visitation will be on Friday, Oct. 22 from 6 to 8 p.m. Burial will be in East Lawn Memorial Park.

Mr. Estes was born on Dec. 12, 1922, in Mexico, a son of Clarence Earl Sr. and Mary Elizabeth Dollens Estes. He was a graduate of Mexico High School. He went to work at Florsheim Shoe Factory and then on May 22, 1942, he married Mary Ruth Meador. Mr. Estes served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He received three bronze stars for campaigns in the Ardennes, Central Europe and Rhineland for service during the war.

After the war, he worked at Mexico Refractories Co., later National Refractories, as a Senior Technician. Those who worked with Earl will remember his “side job” of supplying Coke and candy bars from the trunk of the car. He retired from the plant after 38 years in 1982.

Earl and his family resided in Benton City for 9 years, during the 1950’s, where he and Mary were actively involved with the youth group of Benton City Christian Church, continuing in the Christian dedication tradition he had been raised with.

When they moved to Mexico the family attended Love Street Christian Church and later Kentucky Road Christian Church. While at Kentucky Road, Earl served as Chairman of the Board and Elder. He served as the Sunday School Attendance monitor for 18 years. Many of the church youth will remember him for always having candy.

Earl served many years with the Mexico Optimists and later with the Audrain Antique Auto Association. He enjoyed flower gardening and having a well-kept yard.

He is survived by his children Patricia (Tony) Garcia of Columbia, Larry (Cheri) Estes of St. Louis and Paula Estes Belcher of Columbia. Grandchildren Mike (Peggy) Melvin of Ohio, Paul (Jennifer) Melvin of Ohio, Craig Estes of California, Kristen Estes of St. Louis, Patricia (Doug) Thomas of Mexico, Laura (David) Ketsenburg, of Monroe City, and Jay Belcher of Pennsylvania. Great-grandchildren are Tristen Melvin, Jefferson and Hunter Thomas and Davey Ketsenburg. He is survived by one aunt, Frances Estes, Fulton. Two sisters Pauline (Bill) Nichols and Carolyn Sue (Charles) McAllister of Mexico along with several nieces and nephews also survive.

 He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Robert Estes.

Memorials may be made to the Kentucky Road Christian Church, 716 N. Kentucky, Mexico, MO 65265, or sent in care of the funeral home at 403 N. Western, Mexico, MO 65265.

A devoted husband, loving father and spoiler of grandchildren will be missed by all who shared in his life.

 Pickering Funeral Home  
Caring Service Since 1884