Eldon Myrle Gannaway, son of Floyd Raymond Gannaway and Bessie Lee (Swindler) Gannaway, was born at home in Dunnegan, Missouri on August 1, 1931, and peacefully passed away on August 2, 2026, at the age of 95, surrounded by the love of his family. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, laughter, and unwavering devotion to those he loved. Those who knew Eldon will remember his kind heart, ornery sense of humor, and beautiful blue eyes.

Eldon was raised in the Bear Creek bottom between Humansville and Stockton along with eight brothers and sisters. At the age of six, he met his life-long friend and the love of his life, Nada (Taylor) Gannaway, on a bridge crossing England Creek. As children, Eldon and Nada enjoyed one another while their families socialized together. At age 13, Eldon moved to Plattsburg, Missouri to live with his sister Marie and, once again, reconnected with Nada. After a six-month engagement, Eldon and Nada were married at Preacher Pope’s home in Plattsburg, Missouri on April 15, 1948. They celebrated 73 loving years of marriage. In 1960, Eldon and Nada moved back to the Bear Creek area, buying a 200-acre farm for $30 per acre. In 1970, the couple purchased their farm in Humansville, Missouri, where they spent the remainder of their days. Throughout the years, Eldon worked as a farmer, raising tobacco crops, until he ultimately began his 33-year career with the Missouri State Highway Department. While Eldon took pride in his career, his greatest years were spent on his farm. He found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. Whether he was hunting in the woods, casting a fishing line, enjoying a hot cup of coffee each morning, or gathering around the table for a game of “Wahoo”, he cherished every opportunity to spend time with family and friends. His famous fish fries brought everyone together, creating full hearts and stomachs.

Eldon was most known for how big he loved. When Eldon told someone “I love you”, they never had to question whether he meant it. He was especially proud of his family, which includes wife, Nada (Taylor) Gannaway; daughter Debra and husband, Dean Henry; grandchildren, Kaleb Henry and Morgan and husband Austin McKee. Ryder and Copper McKee, great-grandsons, were his pride and joy.

Eldon is preceded in death by his loving wife, Nada Gannaway; his parents, Floyd and Bessie Gannaway; his brothers Raymond “Bill” Gannaway, James Gannaway, and Roy “Doc” Gannaway; his sisters Stella “Marie” Taylor, Violet Carey, Fern Dragoo, Zeffie Gallop, and a host of wonderful friends and family. He is survived by his daughter Debra and husband, Dean Henry; his grandchildren, Kaleb Henry and Morgan and husband Austin McKee; his great-grandchildren Ryder and Copper McKee; his loving sister Cleo Tuck, brother-in-laws Paul Taylor (Susan) and James Taylor, several nieces and nephews, and many wonderful family and friends.

Eldon was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. Although our hearts are heavy, we celebrate his wonderful life and will cherish the many beautiful memories. Eldon will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

Funeral Services will be announced in the coming days.