Civil War historian and a Kansas City Royals and Chiefs fan John Benjamin Eslinger, son of Benjamin Everett Eslinger and Helen McClernon Eslinger, was born on May 27, 1952 in Springfield, Mo., and passed away on May 10, 2009 in Ava, Mo., at the age of 56 years.
He was a retired buyer from Milbank Electrical Manufacturing Co. He was a resident of the Ava community for seven years moving from the Kansas City area.
On Oct. 12, 2003, John and Donna Karmelich were united in marriage in Kansas City, Mo. John loved his dogs and cats and enjoyed being outdoors. He also was a Civil War historian and was a true Kansas City Royals baseball and K.C. Chiefs fan. He delighted living in the Ozarks. John adored and loved his family, friends and pets.
John was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife, Donna, of the home in Ava; one stepdaughter, Jamie Zar, of California; two sisters, Kathleen McAnany and Mark, St. Louis, Mo., and Elizabeth Clemensen and Mike, Lake St. Louis, Mo.; and one brother, Charles Eslinger and Dreena, Kansas City, Mo.; as well as many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
Services for John will be today (Thursday, May 14) at 6 p.m. at Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava, with cremation following.
The family requests memorials to a local humane society or animal shelter.
Online condolences may be made to www.clinkingbeard funeralhome.com.
