Eldon L. Haun Jr.

Beloved teacher, Eldon Lawrence Haun, Jr., son of the late Eldon Lawrence Haun, Sr. and Minnie Louise (Lupton) Haun, was born in Wichita, Kansas, where he grew up. Eldon attended River View Elementary, and Wichita Heights High School graduating in 1979. Education was especially important to Eldon, and he went on to further his education attending Wichita State University where he obtained his bachelor’s degree in education, while working at Dillons Grocery Store as an overnight manager. Eldon married his best friend, Kathy Pauline Shockley on June 4, 1983 in Eudora, Kansas and together, they continued life hand in hand for over forty years; and were blessed by God with three beautiful children, Kevin, Kayleigh, and Katelynne, the couples pride and joy. He made a profession of faith at an early age and attended the Salvation Army Church Camp, Wichita, Kansas, New Life Fellowship Church in Richland, Missouri and Life Church in Springfield, Missouri. Eldon taught school for twenty-six years in the Richland School System. During his teaching career Eldon served as an academic coach, basketball coach, and score keeper for many games. He looked forward to the adventure each day would bring with his students and would pour his heart and soul into teaching and giving them the education, they deserved. He served two terms as Richland’s Mayor, giving of himself to help the community he loved. Eldon enjoyed reading, politics, traveling, swimming, and loved watching TV, especially Jeopardy. Eldon was a huge die-hard fan of the Dallas Cowboys! He was able to attend one of their games which made his day. Eldon was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Jodi Jackson, one brother, Robert Nichols, and his nephew, Cordell Jansen. After a brief illness, on the morning of September 8, 2023, surrounded by his loving family, Eldon went home with his Lord and Savior, having attained the age of sixty-two. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife, Kathy of the home; three children: Kevin Haun (Heather) of Republic, MO, Kayleigh Shockley (Timothy) of Lebanon, MO, and Katelynne Haun (Fiancé William Nabors) of Republic, MO; 4 grandchildren: Oakley, Oliver, and Magnolia Haun, and Everly Shockley; one sister: Ruby Jansen of Columbia, SC; sister-in-law: Darlene Potter of Leon, KS; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and a host of friends. Eldon loved and enjoyed people, especially when it came to his grandchildren who lovingly called him “Pecko.” His love for his family had no boundaries. Eldon was proud of each of his children and all their accomplishments. His students were like extensions of his own family…as were his co-workers. He was well respected in his community and freely gave of his time and energy and always stood ready to lend a helping hand to those less fortunate than him. Eldon will be missed but his legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of those he loved. Services were held at 7:00 p.m., Monday, September 11, 2023, in the Richland High School Gymnasium with Pastor Bryan Franco officiating. Speakers, Timothy Shockley, Kevin Haun, Jim Schwartz, Rebecca Proctor, Kayleigh Shockley, and Katelynne Haun shared their favorite stories and tributes of Eldon. Favorite recorded music selections included, “In the Garden,” “Same God,” “You’ll Be In My Heart,” and “Celebrate Me Home.” Soloist, Grace Hand sang “The Commission,” and was accompanied by guitarist, Pastor Mitch Henson. Serving as pallbearers were Matt, Daniel, and Mark Bahnmaier, David and Danny Shockley, and Larry Fincher. Burial with graveside services were held at 10:30 A.M, Tuesday, September 12, 2023, in the Oaklawn Cemetery of Richland, Missouri. Services were under the care and direction of Memorial Chapel of Richland. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Eldon L. Haun, Jr. and may be left at the Memorial Chapel of Richland. A memorial gathering will be held on Sunday, October 22, 2023, from 2:00 – 4:00 P.M., at the Assembly of God Church in Williamstown, Kansas.

Eldon L. Haun Jr.

February 6, 1961 - September 8, 2023