Elzie Thrasher

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Ellsworth Cullen “Elzie” Thrasher, age 94, of Anderson, Missouri, departed this life peacefully on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at McDonald County Living Center in Anderson, Missouri.

Elzie was born on October 18, 1931, in Ava, Missouri, and was a lifelong area resident. He was the only child born to the late Wylie Cobern Thrasher and Mary Kathryn (Stoffer) Thrasher. He graduated from Anderson High School in 1950 and carried the values of hard work, faith, and family with him throughout his life. He also served his country in the Army National Guard, a duty he honored with quiet pride.

Much of Elzie’s life was spent on the road as a truck driver, a profession that reflected his steady nature and strong work ethic. He retired from Little Debbie in 2007. He was a man who believed in doing things the right way and in taking care of the responsibilities placed before him.

Elzie was a longtime member of Pleasant Grove Free Will Baptist Church, where his faith remained an important part of his life. He had a beautiful voice, singing in several country and gospel groups over the years. Music was one of the great joys of his life, and he especially enjoyed playing the guitar and mandolin. Whether singing with others or playing an instrument himself, he found happiness in the fellowship and comfort that music brought. He also enjoyed working on old tractors and lawn mowers. He took pride in restoring and repairing things that others might have set aside, and he found satisfaction in giving new life to old machines.

Elzie is survived by his four daughters, Mary Ellynn Williams and husband, Jeff, of Oxford, Alabama; Carol Marie Blankenship and husband, Frank Molino, of Independence, Missouri; Cathy Rossman of Bella Vista, Arkansas; Sherri Bradford and husband, Joel, of Grand Junction, Colorado; and Tina Robeson Kernell and husband, Russ, of Bradyville, Tennessee. He also leaves behind thirteen grandchildren, twenty-three great-grandchildren, seven great-great-grandchildren, his companion Midge Hatfield of Anderson, Missouri, and a host of other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Ann Jeanell Thrasher on January 1, 2007; and a grandson, Colton Standlee.

Funeral services are 2:00 p.m. Monday, April 13, 2026 at Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Missouri with Pastors James Grimes, Randy Bishop and Shane Edens officiating. Burial will follow at New Bethel Cemetery in Anderson. Those honoring his life by serving as pallbearers are Frank Molino, Jacob Semler, Levi Wooten, Robert Hatfield, Rick Francisco and Jerry Blevins. The family will receive friends on Monday beginning at 1:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. In lieu of flowers memorials are being directed to Pleasant Grove Free Will Baptist Church c/o the funeral home. Arrangements are under the care of Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Missouri.