Elmer Dayton

Elmer "Joe" Dayton Jr., 70, of Kingdom City, passed away Friday, May 24, 2013, at his home. He was born November 3, 1942, in St. Louis, the son of the late Elmer Dayton Sr. and Viola (Johnson) Dayton. He was united in marriage to Bonnie Decker on January 6, 1982, in Fayette. She survives. Joe proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. He moved to Missouri from California in 1996. One of his greatest joys was spending time with his family and watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow. He enjoyed fishing and was an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan. He worked as a self-employed painter. Joe will be forever remembered by his wife, Bonnie; sons, Darren Dayton of Bowling Green, and Lenny Elder and his wife Vikkie of Millersburg; daughters, Theresa Dayton of Clinton, Cynthia Azevedo of Barstow, Calif., and Lisa Underwood and her husband Mike of Holts Summit; brothers, William Dayton and his wife Jeanette of Boonville, and Eric Young of Canton, Ohio; sister, Elma Nelson of New Florence; 12 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Shirley Handley. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 29, 2013, at Debo Funeral Home in Fulton with Pastor Bruce Williamson officiating. The family will receive friends from noon until the time of service. In lieu of customary memorials, the family suggests donations be made in Joe's name to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, c/o Debo Funeral Home, 833 Street, Fulton, Mo. 65251. Condolences can be sent by visiting www.debofuneralhome.com.