Estel H. Gideon

Col. Estel Hamill Gideon, retired, 84, of Lamar, MO passed away January 2, 2010 at Barton County Memorial Hospital following a long illness.   He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Ona Hamill Gideon, sister, Glenda Bentlage, and brother-in-law, Alvin Bentlage.   Mr. Gideon is survived by his wife of 62 years, Betty of the home, son and daughter-in-law, Drs. David and Kay Gideon of Mt. Vernon, Maine; daughter, Connie Zimmerman and husband, Ralph of Springfield, MO, granddaughter Jessica Zimmerman also of Springfield; step-grandchildren Carla Stanton of Canton, N.C and Carl Zimmerman of Illiopolis, IL and their families; niece Karel Hippert and husband Bill of St. Louis, MO. and dear friends, D. D. Duncan, wife, Lois and family. Also surviving are many Boyd family cousins.   He was often called “The Colonel”. He had a distinguished military career serving in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater during WW II, Missouri National Guard, and U. S. Army Reserves with a combined service of over 42 years. His last guard assignment was Post Commander of Camp Clark, MO.     He attended Barton County Rural School at Mt. Carmel. He was a graduate of Lamar High School class of 1943, graduate of Columbia College, graduate of the Army School of Engineering, Command and General Staff College. He retired with the rank of Colonel.   During his career, Estel advanced to manager of Frank Horton & Co. and Great Plains Construction While working for Frank Horton he became a single engine pilot. He spent many hours flying for work, enjoyment, and made trips to the Indian territories of the Canadian outback to fish for over 30 years. He was a gentleman farmer keeping active the century old Gideon Farm.   He was a member of the United Methodist Church, Gideon’s International, Barton County Historic Society Board, and Past-President of the Military Officers Association of America, and Past-President of the State Council of Chapters. He was a dedicated Meals-On-Wheels volunteer. His interests included family, flying, hunting, fishing, metal detecting, and the Blue Top Gentlemen’s Round Table.   Estel will be missed by his family and everyone who knew him.   Memorial Contributions are encouraged in leau of flowers to the Lamar United Methodist Church and the Gideon’s International in care of Daniel Funeral Home.   Funeral services with full military honors will be conducted Tuesday January 5, 2010 at 2:00 pm at  Daniel Funeral Home with  officiating Pastor Donald Keithly.  Burial  will be at Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Golden City, MO   Visitation will be Tuesday from 1:00 to 2:00 pm at Daniel Funeral Home.