Anthony Estes

After a long and beautiful life, Anthony Estes went to be with the Lord on November 18, 2020.   At the time of his passing, Anthony was surrounded by his family and loved ones at his home in Marionville.  Interesting is the fact that when he died, he was only steps away from where he was born on his family farm on December 26, 1925 to Roy and Ada Mitchell Estes.   Anthony would live out his 94 years as a beloved member of the Marionville and Aurora area.
Anthony served our nation in World War II in the Navy.  He made lots of memories during his tour of duty and was fortunate enough to return home to share these stories with his family and friends. 
After returning from the military, Anthony sought to become an educator.   Anthony attended Southwest Missouri State University for his undergraduate work in education and later completed his education with a master’s at Missouri University - Columbia.   Anthony understood and sought excellence in all that he did.   He quickly became one of the best educators in the area.   Over the years, countless students have shared lovely stories on how much of a big impact Anthony had on their lives during their school years.   Anthony loved these chance meetings and attended as many class reunions as possible so that he could thank each of his students for what they gave to his life.   At one recent class reunion, Anthony had a line of people waiting to speak to him for the entire evening.    This constant demonstration of admiration and respect speaks volumes about the kind of man that Anthony was for his entire life.   Anthony continued his positive influence and coached many sports teams in the area over the years.   Many of the players under his charge have found success in sports and have even been inducted into local Hall of Fames.
Anthony made a great decision and married his beautiful nightingale nurse, Marilyn (Joe) Holt on June 28, 1958.   Marilyn and Anthony were successful in marriage for more than 62 years when he passed.    To this union, they have three sons and many grandkids that bring lots of pride and love.   Anthony and Marilyn were active members of Orange Cumberland Presbyterian church in Aurora, Missouri for more than 63 years and have been an integral part of the foundation of this church.  During the holidays, Anthony loved delighting the kids in the community by dressing up as Santa.   He donned the big red suit for about 50 years without missing a holiday season. Many of these families have told us they will long remember Anthony’s fun antics in the big red suit.  His popularity as Santa caused him to also serve as the Easter Bunny for many years also.
During Anthony’s retirement years, he enjoyed caring and spending time with his many grandkids!!   Every day that he spent with them brought him so much delight.   He would teach them something new every day.    He taught them to love the outdoors, how to ride a cow, how to belch the loudest, how to spit through your teeth into a circle, how to count and spell and lots of other important life lessons.   Anthony and Marilyn were the best babysitting duo ever created - one was a teacher and the other was a nurse.  They had every base covered that could possibly arise.  But most importantly, they had great love for their charges!   To this day, each grandkid knows what it means to be loved by their grandparents and that special bond will always be cherished and profound!
Anthony is survived by his wife, Marilyn, and sons, Stacy (Leah), Preston (Christa), and Tracy (Allyson) and many grandkids - Rachel (Cole) Amos, Shelby (Kris) Lance, Alexander (Courtney) Estes, Jacqueline Estes, Audrey Estes, Hillary Estes, and Sophia Estes of Nixa, and Myleah Estes, Miles Estes, and Clara Estes of Asbury Park, NJ.  Also surviving are great grandkids Cassidy Amos and Theodore Amos of Springfield, Myles Lance and KayAnna Lance of Blue Springs, MO.    Also surviving are sister in laws - Annora Todd of Springfield and Marlys Heindel of New Orleans, LA and countless cousins, nieces and nephews. 
A memorial fund in his memory has been set up at Orange Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Aurora, MO, care of Leah Estes, Treasurer.
Services will be announced at a later date.

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Lawrence County Record

312 S. Hickory St.
Mt. Vernon, MO, 65712
www.lawrencecountyrecord.com

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