Veldon Marler

Veldon William Marler, a lifelong resident of Washington County, was born on August 18, 1928 in Belgrade, Missouri a son to the late Dolphus Marler and Sally Mae (Goodson) Marler and departed this life at Missouri Baptist Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri on January 24, 2014 at the age of eighty five years, five months and six days. He was united in marriage to Claudette Bernice Buckley on July 21, 1956, and his beautiful wife of thirty seven years went before him to be with God on November 27, 1993.
In addition to his parents and wife, Veldon was preceded in death by siblings Orville Silvey, Goldie Silvey Pelich, Merlin Silvey, in laws Claude and May Isabel (Laramore) Buckley, niece Barbara Lands, nephews Donnie and Larry Pelich, Randall Russell and many dear cousins.
Veldon, Tate as he was known to many, was born into a loving and hardworking family. He spoke often in these last years of how his mother and father were such great people. One of the last things he spoke of was his mother's gardening. He always praised his older sisters for helping support the younger siblings. He reminisced often of his years with his wife and the things they liked to do. They always planted and cultivated beautiful gardens each year and took many trips. He was always in the middle of the grandkids, laughing and teasing them. He was the great "storyteller" and the grandkids all have their favorites.
Veldon served his country during the Korean Ward as a solider in the U.S. Army and retired from the St. Joe Lead Co. after twenty five years of service. For many years after this retirement, he devoted prayer and support traveling to New Mexico for missionary work.
There are many things Veldon will be remember for, but none so much as his devotion to his family, God and the Hopewell Church of God. He taught Sunday School for twenty one years and his last Sunday at church he reminded us to crucify the flesh daily as a church to show more joy as he lifted his hand to say "Praise the Lord!"
Those who remain to mourn his passing are Paula Phares and husband Thomas of Belgrade, Patricia Lawson and husband Cecil Jr. of Caledonia, Sheldon Marler and wife Bobbie of Belgrade; eight grandchildren Tonya Heifner and husband Robert of Belgrade, Mandeline Robinson and husband Daniel of Belgrade, Trina Delashmit and husband Wade of Belgrade, Clint Lawson and wife Sara of Caledonia, Cheyenna Heifner and husband Michael of Fredericktown, Tommi McMahan and husband Jacob of Potosi, Courtney Marler of Belgrade, Bradon Marler of Belgrade; great grandchildren Tadum Heifner, Caleb Lawson, Thaddeus Heifner, Nathaniel Robinson, Maddie Lawson, Noah Delashmit, Caden Heifner, Chloe Lawson, Chase Heifner, Natalee Delashmit, Lukas McMahan, Elizabeth Robinson; siblings Marie Obranovic, Donald Silvey, Nelda Lands, Wanda Russell, Wilda Gensler; many nephews, nieces, cousins, friends and church family that he loved dearly.
Funeral services were conducted on January 28, 2014 at 12 Noon at the Hopewell Church of God with Rev. Jim Wade officiating. Serving as pallbearers were Sheldon Marler, Clint Lawson, Bradon Marler, Rob Heifner, Dan Robinson, Mike Heifner, Wade Delashmit and Jake McMahan. Honorary pallbearers were Caleb Lawson, Thaddeus Heifner, Nate Robinson, Noah Delashmit and Caden Heifner.
Interment and final prayers were held at the Sitton Cemetery. All arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the DeClue Funeral Home.