John Bob Elders, 85, of De Soto, formerly of Corning, Ark., died Nov. 6, 2020, in De Soto. Mr. Elders retired from the receiving department of White-Rodgers, then worked 12 years at Wease Distributing in De Soto. He was a faithful member of First Free Will Baptist Church in De Soto, working in the teen department and serving as a trustee and an usher. He was born Aug. 17, 1935, in Corning, the son of the late Luther and Yulas (Pollard) Elders.
He is survived by his wife of 40 years: Margie (Isgrigg) Elders of De Soto; a son: Robert (Trena) Elders Sr. of Granite City, Ill.; two stepsons: Chip (Liz) Johnston and Richard “Rick” (Marty) Johnston, both of Valles Mines, who referred to him as “Pop”; a stepdaughter: Sherri (Greg) Besore of Festus; three siblings: Donald (Judy) Elders of Granite City, Paul (Judy) Elders of Scott City and Wanda (Bob) Creasey of Wentzville; 11 grandchildren: Wes (Stef) and Colby Besore, Amanda (J.J.) Johnson, Jamie (Darin) Clubbs, Chad Johnston, Lauren Kenuam, Austin Brandon, Callie Dennis, David (Jamie) Nothstine, Jennifer Montgomery and Robert Elder Jr.; and several great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a daughter: Deborah (Joe) Thompson; four brothers: Loren, Jake, Jimmy and Junior Elders; and two sisters: Jestina Robison and Beaulah Whartenby.
Visitation is scheduled from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, at the First Free Will Baptist Church in De Soto. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at the church, officiated by Brother Bob Thebeau. Burial is in Woodlawn Cemetery in De Soto. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Arrangements are under the direction of Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home in De Soto.