Bearl Essman

Bearl Essman, 87, of Bourbon, Missouri passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 8, 2023 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Lytle Bearl Essman was born September 6, 1935 in Sullivan, Missouri to Elmer and Charlotte (Westmoreland) Essman. He grew up and attended school in Sullivan and soon after began to work for International Shoe and then to Midwest Shoe where he met the love of his life, Eunice Pennock. Together they were soon united in marriage on December 3, 1960 at the First Baptist Church of Sullivan. To this union they were blessed with three beautiful daughters: Lisa, Christine and Michele.

Together they continued to raise their family in Bourbon while Bearl was employed at the Pea Ridge Mines for 13 years and Ace Manufacturing for 18 years. He later retired at age 62. Bearl enjoyed staying busy, so his first retirement was short lived before he went to work at the Bourbon School District as a custodian for nine more years.

Following his second retirement, Bearl enjoyed time tending to his yard and gardens alongside Eunice. He also enjoyed cruising in his 1949 Chevy truck and occasionally entering a car show from time to time. Some of his most favorite past times were playing pool, horseshoes, ping pong, and solving all the worlds problems over coffee at the local Circle N with his dear friends. Bearl never met a stranger and as soon as you met him, you loved him.

Above all, he dearly cherished time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren. Bearl came to know Jesus as his Lord and Savior later in life, but had always exemplified Christ’s love, kindness and forgiveness to everyone.

Bearl will forever be remembered for his gentle, loving, caring, witty, and selfless character. Above all he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great – grandfather. He will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by all those who were fortunate enough to know him.

Bearl is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Eunice, of Bourbon, MO; three daughters, Lisa Storz and significant other whom is a special friend of the family, Mark Hilse of Cuba, MO, Christine Campbell and husband John of Bourbon, MO and Michele Valley and husband Rod of Bourbon, MO; five grandchildren: Ryan Storz and wife Andrea of Sullivan, MO, Tareva Campbell of Saint Louis, MO, Matthew Campbell of Sullivan, MO, Trista Koch and husband Colton of Sullivan, MO and Tyler Valley of Bourbon, MO; three great – grandchildren: Luke and Ruby Storz, Jameson and a baby girl Koch on the way; a brother, Alfred Downey Essman of Salem, OR; and a sister, Clara Fae Woodcock of Sullivan, MO; many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Zoe Mae Stroup.

Funeral Service will be 12 PM, Wednesday, January 11, 2022 at the Eaton Funeral Home with Pastor Matt Dudley officiating.

Visitation will be 10 AM – 12 PM, Wednesday, January 11, 2022 at the Eaton Funeral Home prior to the funeral service. Friends may send their online condolences to Bearl’s family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com

All arrangements are under the care and direction of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center.