M. Earle Zeiler was born December 18, 1930 at his family home located in Osceola, Missouri. He passed peacefully Tuesday, March 26, 2019 at the age of 88.
Earle is survived by his wife of 50 years, Evelyn, daughter Diana Dysart Hoyt and Roger, grandson Daniel Dysart and Sarah, great-grandchildren Kendall Ruby and Zeiler Bradley Dysart, who gave him much delight and joy; sister-in-law Eunice Zeiler, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends. He is preceded by father Herbert “Brud” Zeiler, mother Edith “Tede” Osborn Zeiler, brother Herb Zeiler and niece Cheryl Zeiler Watson. He is also preceded by lifelong friends J Allen Hartley and James Evans.
He lived his life in humble servitude to God, his family, friends and community. He served his country during the Korean War in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Alstede. He was a lifetime member of The American Legion and VFW taking great pride in displaying the flags around the square and teaching flag etiquette.
Earle graduated in 1948 from Osceola High School and was a graduate of Draughton Business College, Springfield, Missouri. He was Administrator of Sac Osage Hospital beginning at the old hospital and was instrumental in opening the new facility. He worked as Administrator of Tri-County Clinic, Osceola, then in retirement served as Public Administrator of St. Clair County where he was an advocate for many in need.
He grew up in the Church of the Brethren and served the Lord faithfully thru worship, teaching and song. He also attended Osceola Community Church. His love of music included not only his church work, but also as he played bass guitar and sang in several bands throughout the Midwest. In later years, he enjoyed gathering with friends at the local nursing home to play for the residents.
Earle loved the river and especially running trot lines with Daniel. They spent many hours together sharing stories of his younger years and teaching him the ins and outs of the Sac and Osage rivers.
Earle made a positive impact on all who knew his humble gentleness and loving personality. His favorite Bible verse is Ephesians 2: 8-10; “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
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