Eldon Stutzman

Eldon Stutzman was born June 8, 1940, in rural Cass County, to Ralph and Alice (King) Stutzman. He departed this life at his home on the property that his family has lived on since the mid-1940’s.  

Eldon attended the Clearfork school near his childhood home and later graduated from Garden City High School. After graduation, Eldon served in the 1-W Alternative Selective Service before returning home and starting his family farm, Stutzman Farms, in 1959.  

On September 28, 1968, Eldon married the love of his life, Mary Sue Kendrick, on the same property where he ultimately went home to be with Jesus. Together, Eldon and Sue, worked on their family farm and raised their three children, Kyle, Kelby, and Kyra, until Sue’s death in 2008.  

Eldon’s passion was farming. You could always find him in a field or sitting on his stool at the shop on any given day. Eldon was well known for being kind, generous, and very ornery. He was a man of great faith in God and was a long-time member of Sycamore Grove Mennonite Church. He also most recently enjoyed weekly men’s Bible studies in the shop. Eldon imparted his farming knowledge and spiritual wisdom onto the next generation which has built a strong family business that will continue on in the future.

 In the later years of his life, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He mostly enjoyed hunting with Tanner and when he could hear Tanner’s four-wheeler out in the yard. He also had nightly “talks” with his youngest granddaughters, Kaylee and Tinley, where he undoubtedly did more listening than talking. 

Eldon’s family finds great peace in knowing that he’s finally home, and they are sure that Sue had a great feast waiting for him when he got there.  

 Eldon was preceded in death by his wife, Sue Stutzman. His parents, Ralph and Alice (King) Stutzman. A brother, Landon Stutzman, and a grandson, Keeton Stutzman. 

 He is survived by his son, Kyle (Monica) Stutzman; son, Kelby (Lora) Stutzman; a daughter Kyra (Travis) Korn, all of Garden City. Six grandchildren, Kelcey (Josh), Kylie (Curtis), Stanten (Alyssa), Tanner, Kaylee and Tinley. Six great-grandchildren, Gage, Bryce, Gavin, Sawyer, Declan and Malachi. Two sisters, Jan (Don) Good of Panama City, Florida; Konnie (Jerry) Yoder of Garden City and many other family members and friends.  

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Sunday, January 8, 2023, at New Covenant Fellowship, Garden City, Missouri. 

Family will receive friends from 2:00-4:00 p.m. prior to the service.