E. Zinnert

E. Keith Zinnert

Keith "Sparky" Zinnert, age 88, formerly of Kahoka, MO, passed away Sunday, March 10, 2019 at the Eldon Nursing and Rehab Facility in Eldon, MO.

Keith was born January 28, 1931 in Medill, MO, a son of Edward J. and Leila B. Zinnert.

He was united in marriage to Lela K. Nixon on July 15, 1950 at the St. Paul United Church of Christ in Kahoka. She preceded him in death on July 3, 2003.

Survivors include two daughters: Roni Zinnert of San Diego, CA and Tami (Rob) Frazee of Lake Ozark, MO; two granddaughters: Lindsay (Jason) Ahart of Eldon, MO and Tessa (Brian) Patterson of Troy, IL; five great grandchildren: Cannon, Britton and Barron of Eldon, MO and Ellie and Laney Patterson of Troy, IL; as well as nieces and nephews and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; three brothers: Gale, Emmett and Donald Zinnert; and two sisters, Ermine Moore and Madge Gould.

Keith was employed as a lineman serviceman first for R.E.A. for several years before beginning his long-time career with Missouri Power and Light, retiring from Ameren as it was later called.

Keith was a much-loved Clark County resident. He spent all of his life in Clark Co. except for his time serving the country in the U. S. Navy and the past three years when it became necessary to move to Eldon, MO to be closer to his family.

Keith never met a stranger. He served his community selflessly, devoting his time to his church, St. Paul United Church of Christ where he served on the consistory several times, delivered their food pantry donations weekly, ran the sound board, and was a "go-to-guy" for whatever was needed there. He was a former member and chairman of the board of the Clark County Health Dept., a former member of the NEMO Regional Planning Committee, and the Clark Co. School Board. He was very active in the former Kiwanis and had served as Lt. Governor of Kiwanis for the State of Missouri. He was a 50- year member of St. Francisville Lodge # 588, A.F. & A.M. and together with fellow Masons helped load and unload the Bloodmobile as long as his health permitted. He was also a faithful blood donor. For several years he helped deliver Meals on Wheels.

In Keith’s spare time he loved to fish, hunt, and golf. He also loved to drive around the area and stop in and visit with his many, many friends.

Funeral services and military rites were held Sunday, March 17, 2019 at 2:30 p.m. at St. Paul United Church of Christ in Kahoka with Pastor Dixie Laube officiating. Burial followed in the Kahoka Cemetery.

Memorials in lieu of flowers are suggested to the St. Paul United Church of Christ or the Alzheimer’s Association.

On-line condolences may be expressed at www.wilsonfuneralservice.com.

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In addition, friends may call at Wilson Funeral Home from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Saturday at Wilson Funeral Home. There will be no family present during that time.