Earl Ledgerwood

Earl Almie Ledgerwood of Winona, Missouri, passed away on April 2, 2024, at his home. Hewas born on February 2, 1932, in Birch Tree, Missouri, to Samuel Hezekiah and Cassie (Ramsey) Ledgerwood. He had six siblings, Ruth, Paul, Alice, Otto, Lee “Buck”, and Fern.

He was united in marriage to Dorothy Haynes on August 4, 1951, and had two children, Ken and Jan. Earl was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Ledgerwood; his parents, Samuel H. and Cassie; five siblings, Ruth Bay, Paul Ledgerwood, Alice Dunnigan, Otto Ledgerwood, and Lee “Buck” Ledgerwood; son-in-law, Randy Randolph; and all of his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.

He leaves behind his children, Ken Ledgerwood and wife, Chris, of Marquette Heights, IL, and Jan Randolph of Beavercreek, OH; one sister, Fern Betsinger; grandchildren, Joshua Randolph of Beavercreek, OH, Cassie Blue and husband, Terry, of Marquette Heights, IL, Elizabeth Randolph of Sunnyside, NY, and Sara Ledgerwood of Peoria, IL.; one great-grandchild, Trace Blue of Marquette Heights, IL.; and a host of nieces and nephews .

Earl graduated from Birch Tree High School and married Dorothy before moving to East Peoria, Illinois, where he worked as a Skilled Trades Engineer and Millwright for Caterpillar Tractor company from 1951 until retiring in 1981. After retirement, he and his wife, Dorothy, moved back to Missouri and settled in Winona, where he enjoyed tinkering on his farm and raising cattle. He was an avid fisher and hunter, reserving hunting season exclusively for time in the woods with his family and friends. He also loved to spend time on the Current River camping during the summers, surrounded by his children and grandchildren. He is remembered by his family for his quick, wit with Earl, you had to remember that if you’re right, you may be right, but you have to talk to Earl first. He loved to share his many stories and memories while taking hours-long drives throughout the countryside of Shannon County and was an active member of the Pioneer Baptist Church community. He will be missed and never forgotten by those who knew and loved him.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at Pioneer Baptist Church in Birch Tree, Missouri, with Robert Gifford officiating under the direction of Yarber Mortuary in Birch Tree. Visitation was held prior to the service from 1-2:00 p.m. at the church. Interment was in Corinth Cemetery, Birch Tree. Memorial contributions may be made to Pioneer Baptist Church. Condolences may be expressed at www. yarbermortuary.com.