Ed Mulkey

Elbert "Ed" Mulkey, 79, of Raymore, Missouri, formerly of Strasburg and Harrisonville was born Sunday, March 10, 1929 in Harper, Missouri, the son of George and Alma D. (Feaster) Mulkey. He departed this life Friday, January 9, 2009 at the St. Joseph Medical Center, in Kansas City, Missouri.

On August 1, 1952, he was united in marriage to Saundra L. Moore in Harrison, Arkansas. To this union their wonderful and talented son Mark was born; he preceded them in death on June 23, 1964 at the age of 14.

Ed spent the early years of his life in Harper before moving to Pleasant Hill in 1946, where he graduated from the Pleasant Hill High School in 1947. He then served overseas in the United States Army First Division also known as the "Bloody One" from 1947 to 1950. Following his time in the service he returned to Pleasant Hill and worked as a bus driver for the school district. After he and Sandy were married he, along with Sandy's parents, operated the 600 acre "Mulkey-Moore" Farm in Strasburg where he farmed and raised cattle for over 30 years, retiring in 1981. Following his retirement they moved to Harrisonville where he helped Sandy and his mother-in-law, Marian, in their Bridal and Gift Shop before returning to work for the Lake City Arsenal. In 1991 he went to work for Teals Lawn & Garden in Harrisonville where he co-owned a large spade truck with Teals and started driving and setting trees. This is where he became known as "Ol' Man Ed". He enjoyed this work very much and made many friends.

He enjoyed golfing, bowling and riding motorcycles and he took many road trips throughout the United States. He loved his dogs, especially "Nikita" a white miniature American Eskimo; she was always by his side.

After he was diagnosed with kidney failure he spent many years on dialysis. He made the best of it though, befriending everyone at both the Renal Care Group in Harrisonville and DCI in Belton; they all became his extended family.

He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars post #3118 in Pleasant Hill and the Strasburg Union Church.

Ed was a good man, wonderful husband, and a loyal friend to all who knew him.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; his brother Ray Mulkey, and 2 sisters Erma L. Wood and Barbara Maier.

He is survived by his wife Sandy of the home; 2 nephews Don (and Nancy) Wood of Richmond, Missouri and Herbert (and Willa) Wood of Kansas City, Kansas; 1 great-nephew Drew (and Nicole) Wood of Los Angeles, California; other relatives and friends.

Cremation has been accorded. A memorial service was held, Tuesday, January 13, 2009 at the Funeral Home. Pastor David Hackett of the Faith Methodist Church in Grain Valley officiated. Inurnment will be in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the National Kidney Foundation and may be sent in care of the funeral home.