Kenneth G. Elders, 73, of Kissee Mills died Dec. 2, 2016, at his home. Mr. Elders was a teacher and a United Methodist pastor. He was a 1961 graduate of Crystal City High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in music and later, a master’s degree in administration from Southeast Missouri State University. He taught in public schools in Missouri for 37 years, including 30 years with the Festus R-6 School District, before retiring in 1997. He attended St. Paul School of Theology in Kansas City and served several Methodist churches in Missouri before retiring from the ministry in 2004. He was
a member of the Community Presbyterian Church of Forsyth, a Mason, a former member of the DeMolay and a member of the Scottish Rite. He was an avid reader and history buff, and enjoyed music and traveling in the RV with his wife and their dog. He was born Sept. 29, 1943, in St. Louis, the son of the late Gerald Luther and Mary Ellen (Jackson) Elders.
He is survived by his wife of 46 years: Juanita Elders of Kissee Mills; and two daughters: the Rev. Beth (David Shaw) Elders of St. Louis and Rebecca (Derick) DeFreece of Gower.
Funeral services were held Dec. 5 at Community Presbyterian Church in Forsyth, officiated by Pastor Dennis D. Winzenried. Burial is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7, in Rose Lawn Memorial Gradens in Crystal City, officiated by the Rev. Nancye Dunlap. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association. Arrangements were under the direction of Kissee-Schofield-Eakins Funeral Home in Forsyth.