Eldred Hargens

Eldred G. Hargens, son of John and Laura Mae Angle Hargens, was born May 27, 1916, at Advance, Mo., and died Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2006.

Eldred's parents moved from Advance to Cape Girardeau, where he completed his education through high school. After high school graduation he worked at Kelso Oil, the International Shoe Co., and both Kilgore and Dormeyer's Drug Stores.

He married V. Louise Horne of Piedmont, Mo., Aug. 26, 1939.

They moved to Indiana where he earned a degree in mechanical engineering. Following his graduation Eldred was employed by Monsanto 35 years. At retirement he was superintendent of plant engineering and design.

Eldred was a member of the Engineer's Club, a life member of Jackson Men's Garden Club and Men's Garden Club of America. He was of Methodist belief and active at various churches: Kirkwood UMC in Kirkwood, Mo., Harper Chapel UMC in Osage Beach, Mo., and New McKendree UMC in Jackson.

He was a nonregistered architect and designed numerous projects for building renovations on the two latter churches. For New McKendree he supervised the remodeling of the old Jackson City Hall from his plans.

He refused remuneration for these projects. However, a church dinner was given in his honor, and at a morning church service Carolyn Steinhaus, the minister's wife, presented him with a life membership pin from the United Methodist Women's Organization.

He is survived by his wife, V. Louise Hargens; a sister, Bernice Suits; two sons, Lloyd B. Hargens and Roger K. Hargens.

Surviving grandchildren are Bryant E. Hargens, Blaire F. Hargens and Jeffrey J. Hargens; also a niece and a nephew.

His body is being donated to Washington University for research.

There will be a memorial service at New McKendree United Methodist Church at a later date.