By HDN Staff
JOPLIN Elmer Alfred Hadford, 79, died Sunday, Jan. 20, 2002.
Funeral services will be today at 2 p.m. at the Chester United Methodist Church with burial following in the Joplin Cemetery. After the committal services, a luncheon will be held at the Kjos Hall at Bethel Church in Joplin.
Elmer was born on the family homestead south of Joplin to Carl A. Hadford and Clara Belle Shettel on July 9, 1922. Elmer grew up on the family farm and received his formal education in Joplin. During his early years he worked for several local farmers, including Dodds Keith and Mike Kammerzell. He eventually began farming on his own in the south Joplin community.
In the early 1950s Elmer drove truck for Ryan's Wholesale in Havre. Unfortunately, he had to quit the job after suffering a blinding injury to his left eye in an unrelated automobile accident.
Elmer married Dorma Heydon Johnson on Nov. 14, 1964, at Joplin. They lived and worked in the community during their married life together. When Elmer's health began to fail in 2000, he retired from farming and ranching. He moved to the Liberty County Nursing Home. His health deteriorated rapidly the last few weeks of his life.
Elmer was baptized, confirmed and married at the Lutheran Church in Joplin. In the 1990s Elmer and Dorma began attending the Methodist Church in Chester.
An avid horseman, Elmer loved working with horse teams and wagons. He helped with several community hayrides and special events and enjoyed participating in statewide cattle drives. One of the highlights of his life was the Montana Centennial Cattle Drive of 1989. Elmer loved animals, especially dogs and cats. At the time of his death, he appreciated two pet border collies named Tippy and Queeny.
Elmer loved to be around people, so he never missed many social events, especially celebration dinners, auction sales, funerals and community dances. He loved western music and fiddlers' contests. He and his wife enjoyed polka and square dancing.
Elmer was dedicated and faithful to those he loved. During those years his mother and wife lived at the local rest home, he drove to town on a daily basis to be with them.
Elmer was preceded in death by his father in 1975; his mother in 1993; a sister, Marie Greene; and a brother, Lyle Hadford.
Survivors include his wife of 37 years, Dorma Hadford of Chester; brother, Lloyd Hadford and his wife, Alma, of Joplin; a sister-in-law, Elaine Hadford, of Rudyard; a brother-in-law, Delmar Greene, of Carmangay, Alberta; and numerous nephews and nieces.
Memorials may be given to the Liberty County Nursing Home or to the donor's choice.
Arrangements are by Rockman Funeral Chapel in Chester.
