John K. Elliott, 84, passed from this earth on the day of August 8, 2008. He passed away peacefully in his Sparta home with his family by his side. John was born in Richland Center, Wisconsin, on May 21, 1924, to Joseph and Ellen (Hartnett) Elliott. He was one of seven siblings. John Elliott is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Frances (Hills) Elliott. He is also survived by three daughters and one son, Linda (Robert) Leisenring, Kathy (Daniel) James, Christy (Daryl) Lundholm, and John L. Elliott (Margee). In addition he is survived by three siblings, a brother Michael Elliott, and two sisters, Jean Engel and Betty Rosenthal. He has 19 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. There are also many nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends. John was preceded in death by two brothers and a sister, Bernard Elliott, Carl Elliott, and Helen Jones, as well as two children Kenneth Allen Mussleman, infant Cynthia Jean Elliott and grandson Michael Barker. John Elliott was born to a farming family in Wisconsin and graduated from St. Thomas High School. He married Frances on October 27, 1951. He went to work for the Beloit Fire Department and later left to work in management for Beatrice Foods and then as chief mechanic and technician for Kimberly Clark Corporation. After a partial retirement in Big River, California, a close-knit community by the Colorado River, he and his wife came to Sparta, Mo., eleven years ago to settle permanently. John was a respected member of his community, always willing to assist if he was able. With a project always "in progress" he was never a sedentary man. Instead, he possessed a sharp intellect, lightening-fast sense of humor, and a keen eye for everything mechanical. At one point in his life, John built cars for auto racing, some of which took the checkered flag. John had a profound love for the outdoors and enjoyed camping and fishing, Blue-grass music, early "Western" film, and other pursuits. Ultimately though, John was a family man. He had a "code" that he lived by and could always be counted upon to keep his word. Although his blood was Irish, his heart was all-American. John was a patriot to his country and an important member of his community as evidenced by his many friends and neighbors throughout Sparta and the rest of the United States. John forged his own destiny, faced hardships, yet found much joy in the company of his beloved wife, Frances, his family, friends, and his lovable pets. He was the kind of man that could inspire all who had the good fortune to meet him. He will be dearly missed. Heaven just got a bit merrier. Services will be held at Fairview Baptist Church in Sparta, Mo., on Wednesday, August 13, at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, family request donations be made to Fairview Baptist Church. Cremation under the direction of Barnes Family Funeral Home, Ozark. Messages can be left at johnkelliott.blogspot.com.