Paul Calvin Eklof

Paul Calvin Eklof of Independence, Missouri, passed away Monday, December 4, 2023. He was 96 years of age. He was born in Hermitage, Missouri on August 12, 1927, the son of Eric and Nancy (Boren) Eklof. After graduating from Humansville High School, Paul served in the United States Navy during World War II, and was stationed in Pearl Harbor. In the Navy, he was trained in computer programming. After his honorable discharge, he returned to Missouri and found a job with KCPL as a computer programmer. Paul married Oleta Jean Crain and to this union were born 3 daughters. They were members of Immanuel Baptist Church, and he served as Sunday School Director for nearly 50 years, was also in the choir, in a Men’s Quartet, and was a deacon. He was often called on to be an emcee for special occasions due to his dry sense of humor. After his eldest daughter was disabled with a brain injury, Paul and Oleta created the Special Care Homes of Western Missouri with several friends and served on the board. They were successful in creating a home for special needs children that was eventually merged into the Missouri Baptist Children’s Home. Paul had a love for photography, even winning a contest with Missouri Conservationist Magazine. He was an avid Royals fan and tried to never miss a game.  Above all else, Paul adored his family and will be dearly missed. He is survived by his daughters: Deborah Eklof, Donna (Cliff) Hatchette, Deanna (Earle) Lyday; grandchildren: Erica (Rob) Lam, Jessica (Scott) Stracener, Veronica (Michael) Batton, Rachel Lyday, Joshua Lyday; great-grandchildren: Hanna Stracener, Emerson Stracener, Anderson Lam, Evelyn Lam, Francis Batton, Theodora Batton. Paul is preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Oleta Eklof; his parents Eric and Nancy Eklof; and his sister Ruth (Robert) Smith. A visitation will be held from 9:00 - 10:00 a.m., with the funeral at 10:00 a.m., both Friday, December 8, 2023, at Carson-Speaks Chapel, 1501 W. Lexington Ave., Independence, MO. Guests are welcome to meet at the graveside service that will be held at 2:00 p.m. the same day in Flemington Cemetery, Flemington, MO.