Evelyn Marie Chism Esry, 75, was born May 9, 1935, in Bearcreek to Ovie Ray and Willa Tolbert Chism and passed away on Dec. 5, 2010.
She graduated from high school in Stockton in 1952 then furthered her education in Springfield in Business Education. She met the love of her life, James B Esry. They were married March 26, 1955. They enjoyed a life filled with family and friends until his passing on Jan. 22, 2002. To this union five children were born - Gary Esry and wife, Nancy; Kent Esry and wife, Connie; Mark Esry; Cindy Esry and Wendy Esry Davis and husband, Chris - all of El Dorado Springs.
Evelyn was a homemaker, mother and successful career person when it was not that popular. She worked briefly in Kansas City then returned to El Dorado Springs. She worked at the International Shoe Company and helped with the Esry Cafe.
In 1960, she and James founded El Dorado Sales Co. They both worked tirelessly side-by-side to create a profitable and successful business. This was not enough for Evelyn, she then decided to open a western wear store and feed store and also worked for Tri County State Bank until her retirement.
Throughout all her endeavors she still found time to play. The world was Evelyn’s oyster and she was the pearl. Bowling and bowling trips was one of her greatest pleasures and everyone enjoyed her company.
She was a member of the First Baptist Church in El Dorado Springs. She was baptized as a young girl in the river at Bearcreek.
She was not only a Christian but she lived the way a Christian should. The center of her life was her children, grandchildren, great grandkids and her friends.
She was proceeded in death by her husband, James B Esry; her parents, Ovie Ray and Willa Chism; two brothers, Joe and Bill Chism; two sisters, Emma Chism Fidler and Mary Chism Schaaf. Survivors include her five children; 12 grandchildren - Brandon, Brent, Kensey, Devon, Amber, Tiffany, Tabetha, Tanessa, Taryn, Ginelle, Alyssa and Rayden; seven great-grandchildren; one brother, Jim Chism; several nieces and nephews and a host of family and friends.
Services were held Wednesday, Dec. 8, in Sheldon Chapel with Rev. Brent Bland officiating. Special music was What A Day That Will Be and Bridge Over Troubled Waters by Tiffany McGuirk and Just A Closer Walk With Thee by Ginelle Esry. Interment was in Lindley Prairie Cemetery Stockton.
Casketbearers were - Devon Esry, Bennie Brower, Brandon Esry, Brian Brown, Eric McGuirk and R.L. Smith. Honorary casketbearers were - John Stutesman, John Roseman, Herb Daniels and Chip Jennings.
Arrangements were under the direction of Sheldon Funeral Home in El Dorado Springs.
