Eldon Gracy

Eldon Bruce Gracy, retired Farmer, Stockman and resident of Pioneer Ridge, departed this world at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, April 20, 2023 after a short illness. He was surrounded by family and continued to be in charge until his last breath.

Eldon was born the son of Charles E. and Edye (Bruce) Gracy on January 16, 1926, at the family farm outside of Garber, Oklahoma. He spent his childhood riding horses with his best friend, Jack Hermanski and tried to keep up with big brother, Warren. Twin sisters, Lova and Lois watched over their little brothers. Eldon was a member of the Garber High School Class of 1944 and enlisted in the Army that same year. Eldon was a proud member of General Patton's 87th Infantry Division (Golden Acorn), 345 Infantry Regiment, Company A. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge, was wounded, and earned the Purple Heart, Bronze Star and others. He often professed that he fought the Germans, came back to Oklahoma and married one. On March 6, 1947, Eldon and Helen Louise Metscher eloped to Wichita, KS and were married by the ugliest preacher they had ever seen. To this union three children were born. Michael Bruce, Jeffrey Kent and Janine Louise. Eldon worked hard and played hard. Helen claimed on many occasion that the kids, ‘Acted just like their father.’ And they sure tried. Eldon and Helen could cut a rug like no other couple. In the winter, they danced on Saturday night and bowled on Wednesday night. (We know because we packed those bowling trophies when they moved to town in 2009.) They were members of the infamous Supper Club and loved to play cards. Helen's birthday was during harvest (when you didn't talk to E.B. unless spoken to – only farm kids understand that), but not Eldon's birthday! And for that reason, it was always celebrated with a 'Nut Fry' that attracted family and friends from far and wide.

Eldon was active in his community. He was a member of the Caldwell Anti-Horse Thief Association, which Helen knew was just a good old card party. He served in the South Haven Methodist Church as a lay leader, substitute preacher, and Chair of Infinite Committees (including the Church Building Committee). He is a John Wesley Award recipient and served as President of the South-Central Jurisdiction of United Methodist Men and National Vice President of the United Methodist Men. He served on the South Haven School Board for several years. Then he decided that he wasn't done arguing about things that needed to be changed and was elected Sumner County Commissioner at the age of 76. He served two terms and at 84 decided to retire from the Commission and from farming.

Eldon was preceded in death by his wife, parents, brother, sisters and daughter-in-law Tammy Gracy. Survivors include son Michael (Sandy) Gracy; son Jeffrey Gracy, Caldwell, KS; daughter Janine (Rob Smith) Gracy, Lawrence, KS; grandchildren Dawn Howell; Justin (Jodi) Gracy, Levi (Nicole) Gracy, Jarrod (AJ) Gracy, Andrew (Emily) Demo, Ashlynn Demo Hawk, Jace Smith and Jeff (Molly) Smith. 22 great-grandchildren, and 9 great, great grandchildren and more on the way, along with numerous nieces and nephews that he loved to entertain with his Thanksgiving Yard Art. Funeral services were held Monday, April 24, 2023, at the South Haven Methodist Church. Interment followed in Forest Hill Cemetery in rural Sumner County. An award has been established with the KU Endowment Association for graduating seniors of Caldwell or South Haven enrolling with the University of Kansas. Memorial contributions may be mailed to KU Endowment, P.O. Box 928, Lawrence, KS 66044 or online at www.kuendowment.org/give Please indicate donation is for Eldon Gracy Memorial. For online condolences, please go to www.cornejofuneralhome.com

‘It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived.’ – George S. Patton, Jr.