Elmer Clarence Wankum

Elmer Clarence Wankum, 82, of Taos, passed away Friday, October 9, 2020, at his residence surrounded by his loving family.

He was born December 8, 1937, in Meta, Missouri, the son of the late George and Louise (Porting) Wankum.

Elmer attended St. Cecelia Elementary School in Meta, was a 1955 graduate of Fatima High School, Westphalia, and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Lincoln University.

He served in the United States Army from October 29, 1958 through October 28, 1960. He then served in the Reserves till October 28, 1964. He trained at Ft. Wood and was stationed at Ft. Belvoir in Virginia.

Elmer was united in marriage on June 15, 1963, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Taos to Catherine Marie Kerperin who survives at the home.

He worked for the Missouri Department of Corrections at the Missouri State Penitentiary from October 29, 1962 until his retirement on April 30, 2002. At the time of his retirement, he held the position of Functional Unit Manager. Prior to his employment with MSP, he worked in the Osage County Clerk’s office as a deputy clerk, served as a Battalion Clerk in the US Army, worked for Scruggs Guhleman Knollmeyer in Meta, and worked on his father’s farm.

Elmer was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Taos where he served as a communion minister and was an active member of the parish and community. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 6430 in Taos.

Elmer was an easy-going, kind, hard working person. He enjoyed the outdoors working and recreating. He liked to fish, hunt, do garden work, and keep his lawn and surroundings neatly groomed. He enjoyed going to his son’s farm and helping out wherever he could. Elmer was always there to help others when the opportunity arose. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family. He loved attending his grandchildren’s school functions and sporting events. Elmer loved spending quality time with each of them. He was their hero.

Survivors include his wife, Catherine Wankum, Taos; three children, Wayne (Donna) Wankum, Wardsville; Shirley (Dennis) Woehr, Taos; Christy (Ronald) Schaefer, Taos; eight grandchildren, Megan (Casey) Kinkade, Brandon Schaefer, Tyler (Kallie) Wankum, Jordan Schaefer, Caitlin Schaefer, Treaver Woehr, Jaelynn Schaefer, Noah Wankum; three great-grandchildren, Lillie Wankum, Coralee Kinkade, Hayden Wankum; four siblings, Alice Baumhoer, Jefferson City; Wilbert Wankum, Holts Summit; Roman (LaVon) Wankum, Cuyahoga Falls, OH; Ronald (Helen) Wankum, Jefferson City; and one sister-in-law, Mary Wankum, Jefferson City.

He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant daughter, Carla Wankum; three sisters, Mildred Wankum, Bernadine (Tony) Rehagen, Helen (Leonard) Jaegers; one brother, Art Wankum; and two in-laws, Clarence Baumhoer, and Roselyn Wankum.

Visitation will be 9-11 a.m. Friday, October 16, 2020, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Taos.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Friday at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church with the Rev. I.C. Medina officiating. The service will be live streamed for those who wish to watch from home. The link can be found on Elmer’s obituary page under Tribute Wall at www.dulletrimble.com.

The general public is welcome to attend the services while following social distancing guidelines. Facial coverings are encouraged while in attendance.

Burial with military honors will be in St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery Maintenance Fund.

Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Those wishing to send condolences to the family may do so at the www.dulletrimble.com website.