Eldred Holle

(From Buchanan Funeral Home)

Eldred “Elly” Allen Holle died peacefully in Springfield on July 6, 2026. Eldred was born December 1, 1932, to Otto and Marie (Osterloh) Holle in Pierce City, Missouri. He attended Trinity Lutheran Church and School in Friestatt and was confirmed in 1947. Eldred was infatuated with trucks from childhood and began a lifelong career as a young man driving for Carnation, Stoekle Oil Company, Mozark, and Wells Aluminum. He remained grounded in this profession for almost fifty years.

Eldred married Margaret Ann McCord on November 6, 1966, and they were blessed with fifty-three years of marriage before her death in 2020. Both knew on the night of their first date they would spend their lives together. Elly often said marrying Margaret was the best decision he ever made.

In addition to raising two children, Kevin and Annette, Elly and Margaret devoted many years to establishment and support of the Barry-Lawrence County Development Center to help parents and children with special needs like their daughter. They both took great joy in membership with the Monett Lions Club and supporting the needs of the organization with apple butter making, chicken dinners, and other taskings. Eldred served as a member of the Missouri Army National Guard for fifteen years, leaving as a platoon sergeant (E-7) in the local unit. He would say his best traveling was done during summer camps with the National Guard.

Eldred is preceded in death by his parents, three brothers (Marvin, Melbert, and Ervin Holle), his wife, Margaret, his daughter, Annette, a daughter-in-law, Sheryl, and in-laws Wilburn, Anna, and Melba McCord.

He is survived by his son, Kevin, and daughter-in-law, Tonya, six grandchildren: Grant and wife Anna, Garrett, Gavin and wife Miranda, Greg and wife Taylor, Galia, and Graycen Holle, eight great-grandchildren, a sister, Lora, and a host of cousins, nieces, and a nephew.

At Eldred’s request, visitation will be from 5-7:00 p.m. Thursday, July 9, 2026, at Buchanan Funeral Home, Monett. Graveside services will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church cemetery at 1:00 p.m. Friday. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Barry-Lawrence County Development Center to ensure Elly and Margaret’s legacy of love continues.

Eldred knew (and lived) giving, sacrifice, and devotion to God, country, community, family, and total strangers. He passed this on to co-workers, friends, and especially family. He was humble, truthful, and hard-working. Well done, good and faithful servant. Arrangements are under the personal care of Buchanan Funeral Home, Monett.