Robert L. Wallingford, 95, of Revere, Missouri, passed away at 6:05 a.m. Thursday, December 7, 2023, in Kahoka, Missouri.
He was born in Anson, Missouri, on The Wallingford family farm on November 22, 1928, the youngest child of Wortha Eston and Hattie LaVerne (Peacock) Wallingford. His birthplace was designated a Century Farm in 2017 and has been in the family since 1879.
Robert was a member of the Anson Community Church.
Robert graduated from Revere High School with the class of 1946. He also had five children that graduated from Revere. His favorite activity was to attend basketball games, at which everyone recognized his voice as he cheered on the players and offered to “help” the referees.
He was married to Gladys Ann Brewer on November 6, 1949, at the first Christian Church in Kahoka, Missouri by Rev. Richard Golden. Robert and Gladys celebrated more than seventy-two years together. They were a great example to their family with their dedication to each other.
Robert was a farmer at heart, but he was a handyman and could do about anything and wasn’t afraid to try. He and Gladys helped all of their children in some way, or another, set up and remodel their first homes. He also taught himself to weld and used this skill during employments at Ajax in Ft. Madison and Buffalo Caster in Farmington, Iowa, along with farming full time. He took a leave from farming from 1956-1958 when he became the first manager of the D-X Station in Donnellson, Iowa.
When he was able, one of his favorite things to do was get on his side-by-side and tour what he called the “160,” which was a 160-acre parcel near his home. He had it manicured like a state park with beautiful rolling grassy hills, covered with black cows and a fishing pond. The family would tease him about how irritated that he made the squirrels when they saw his bulldozer coming.
Robert could visit with anyone, which enabled him to enjoy being a feed and seed salesman and operating a seasonal fireworks business. He believed that the fireworks business, on the Century Farm, was the oldest in northeast Missouri.
Robert was also known for lovingly attaching nicknames to family and friends. He loved to tease.
Robert was survived by his children: Barbara (Stanley) Elwell, Bonnie (Buddy) Martin, Mark Wallingford (Ellen Wilson), Brenda (Ruben) Leffler and Richard (Anna) Wallingford. Also surviving are fourteen grandchildren: Brian (Lesley) Elwell of Overland Park, Kansas, William Elwell (fiancé Brittney Hardin) of Germantown Hills, Illinois, Rob (Jennifer) Elwell of Melbourne, Florida, Tressa (Kalin) Sharkey of Columbia, Missouri, Tara (Nathan) Klepfer of Ashland, Missouri, Megan (Aaron) Zook of Philadelphia, Missouri, Mykel (Melea) Martin of Kahoka, Missouri, Jason (Linda) Wallingford of Maywood, Missouri, Tisha (Troy) Patterson of Monroe City, Missouri, Jenette (Justin) Hurayt of Foristell, Missouri, Jenelle (David) French of Olathe, Kansas, Brandon (Claudia) Leffler of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Tyson Wallingford of Revere, Missouri and Ashley (Brandon) Kerr of St. Charles, Missouri; twenty-seven great grandchildren; nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; his in-laws: Ray Wilbert and Gladys Faye Brewer; a special aunt: Mary Brewer; his siblings and their spouses: Vera (Raymond) Yates, Mabel (Ivan) Lee, Helen (Harley) Seth, Charles (Louise) Wallingford, Lois (Paul) Rider; a special nephews: Dean Wallingford and Steve Rider; special niece: Janet Elliott; and sister-in-law and her spouse: Lois (George) Tanner.
There will be no visitation.
A private family memorial service will be held Saturday, December 16, 2023, at the Anson Community Church in Anson, Missouri with burial at the Anson Cemetery.
A memorial has been established in his memory for the Anson Cemetery and can be mailed to the family at: Schmitz Funeral Home, P.O. Box 22, Donnellson, Iowa 52625.
On-line condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com. Schmitz Funeral Home of Farmington is assisting the family with arrangements.
