Gary Gene Eller

FARMINGTON Gary Gene Eller of Farmington passed into eternal life on November 9, 2023, at Cedarhurst of Farmington at the age of 72. He was born in St. Louis, Missouri on April 29, 1951, to the late Billy G. Eller and Francis (Wiseman) Eller. In addition to his parents, Gary was preceded in death by his loving wife, Phyllis Ann (Elders) Eller; and his mother-in-law, Virginia Elders. Gary grew up in St. Louis where he graduated from Lutheran North High School. He received his bachelors degree from Concordia Teachers College in River Forest, Illinois where he was a baseball standout. Later he received a masters degree in education from Southeast Missouri State. His first teaching job was at Zion Lutheran School in Pevely, Missouri where he taught Math and coached. He then took a position with the Farmington Public Schools where he was a middle school Social Studies teacher and coached football, track, and girls softball. Gary was also a basketball referee in the area for many years. In 2006 he retired from teaching and enjoyed a part time job with Crown Valley Winery where he worked as a host. Gary never met a stranger and enjoyed people so that was the perfect job for him. He was in his element when making and eating fried chicken or grilling by the pool. He was an avid golfer but loved all sports. He especially loved taking his daughter, Allison, to games and events that she participated in over the years. There never was a more devout Cardinal and Blues fan than Gary Eller. Gary was a dedicated member of St. Paul Lutheran Church where he had served as President of the Congregation more than once. He will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him including his daughter, Allison Eller and her three daughters, Haylie, Hannah and MaKennah; his brother, Michael (Laura) Eller; niece Sarah Eller; special friend, Vicki Polete; his father-in-law, Delmar Elders; sisters-in-law, Marcia (Tom) Buckley and Lisa (Jon) Bird; and numerous beloved nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews also survive. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Cozean Memorial Chapel. Visitation will resume in the funeral home beginning at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday until 10 a.m. Services will follow at St. Paul Lutheran Church beginning at 11 a.m. with Pastor Stephen Constien officiating. Interment will follow at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery in Farmington. Memorials may be made in Garys name to St. Paul Lutheran High School. View the tribute video and share your condolences at cozeanfuneralhome.com. Visitation Cozean Memorial Chapel & Crematory Tuesday, November 14, 2023 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM 217 W. Columbia St. Farmington, MO 63640 Funeral Service St. Paul Lutheran Church Wednesday, November 15, 2023 11:00 AM 609 East Columbia Street Farmington, MO 63640