Orval L. Elliott, 90 of Springfield and formerly of Avon

His funeral service will be 10:30 am Wednesday, July 16, 2008 at the First Presbyterian Church in Avon, with burial in the Trinity Presbyterian Cemetery, rural Avon, with military honors. Visitation will be at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Avon Tuesday from 2 pm to 6 pm.

Orval Lee Elliott, son of Reeves Richard and Ora Ethel (Wagers) Elliott, was born February 1, 1918 in New Bloomfield, MO. He died Saturday, July 12, 2008 at Avera St. Michael's Hospital in Tyndall, SD. Orval attained the age of 90 years, five months and 12 days.

Orval attended grade school in Bloomfield, MO and then graduated from New Bloomfield High School in 1937.

Orval served in the U.S. Army from February 3, 1943 to January 15, 1946, He was stationed overseas for 19 months.

Orval married Sarah Louise Holland at Ashland, MO on January 12,1941. Five children were born to their union.

Orval worked at a hardware store in Auxvase, MO and it was there he met Sarah. In 1945, they moved to Ronan, MT and helped his brother-in-law with the telephone company. Later they moved to Charlo, MT and operated the telephone company there. In 1958, they moved to Avon, SD and owned the telephone company until 1961, when it went to dial tone. Orval bought the Marshall Wells Store and turned it into a Coast to Coast Store. He owned and operated this store for many years, along with a plumbing and heating business. Orval and Sarah moved to the Springfield Assisted Living Center in 2005.

Orval was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and the Arthur Wissman American Legion Post in Avon. He also was a member of the Dwight Wood American Legion Post #132 in Springfield. Orval was a former member of the Avon Firemen, Avon Lion's Club and the IOOF.

Orval was an avid Avon Pirate fan and was given the "Outstanding Avon Pirate Fan" award several times.

He will be remembered for his enjoyment of playing horse shoes, fishing, bowling, hunting, playing Bingo, doing puzzles, quilting and doing chicken-scratch embroidery.

Thankful for having shared his life are his wife, Sarah of Springfield; his children: Mary Louise Jensen and husband, Leslie of Alpena, Howard of Avon, Gary and wife, Rita of Jefferson City, MO, and Ethel Kruger and husband, Kenneth of Papillion, NE; 11 grandchildren; six great grandchildren; and many relatives and friends.

Orval was preceded in death by his son, Charles Edward in 1951; parents; a great granddaughter, Celesta Elliott; five brothers; and one sister.

Memorials may be directed to the cause of your choice.