William Cleo Elrod Jr., 82

William Cleo “Joe” Elrod Jr. was born May 5, 1934 in Batesville, Ark. to Wayman Cleo Elrod and Cornelius (Smith) Elrod. He passed away Sunday, March 26, 2017 at the Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston at the age of 82 years, 10 months and 22 days.

He was united in marriage on May 11, 1963 in Hayti to Joyce May Cook who survives of the home in Portageville. He was of Methodist faith and was a member of the U.G. Totty Lodge #176 in Marston, Scottish Rite of St. Louis, and Shriners of St. Louis. Joe retired from University of Missouri Delta Center with 27 years of service. He also helped farm and ran heavy equipment for many years.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Wayman Cleo and Cornelius (Smith) Elrod; two brothers: Waddel Elrod of Texarkana, Tex., and James Leo Elrod of Winona Lake, Ind.; and sister Helen Elrod Glass of Wardell.

He leaves to cherish his memories, his wife of 53 years, Joyce May Elrod; two sisters: Patsy Elrod (John) Mann of Howardville, MO and Peggy Elrod Simmons of Portageville,; numerous nieces and nephews, whom he looked upon as his children, since he had no children of his own. Special friends, Jake and Shelly Fisher, and Stacey Kersey, and a host of many other relatives and friends.

Services were conducted Thursday, March 30, 2017 at the First United Methodist Church at 11 a.m. with Rev. Barron Willer officiating.  Interment followed at the Portageville Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were: Lewis Rone, Joey Walters, Allen Gamblin, Willis Glass, Chris Young and Josh Atchley.

DeLisle Funeral Home of Portageville was in charge of arrangements.