Clair Wayne Elsberry
February 6, 1936 ~ April 16, 2015
Clair Wayne Elsberry, 79, of Jefferson City, died Thursday, April 16, 2015, at California Care Center.
He was born on February 6, 1936, in Madison, Missouri, the son of the late Glenn and Velma Southern Elsberry.
He was married to Bonnie Rae Roberts.
He was later married on September 26, 1998, in Jefferson City to Patricia "Trish" Pearman Howell who survives at the home.
A 1954 graduate of Madison High School where he was valedictorian and class president, Mr. Elsberry pursued various educational opportunities in highway engineering, personal development, and political management.
Following graduation he was employed with the Missouri Highway Department for eighteen years in all phases of highway and bridge construction.
From 1968 to 1972 he was actively involved in the Trenton and Missouri Jaycees, receiving numerous service awards.
He served as City Engineer and Assistant to the Mayor in Trenton, Missouri, for a year before being appointed Executive Director of the Missouri Republican Party from 1973 to 1976.
He served as Coordinator of statewide volunteers for the "Danforth for Senator" and "Bond for Governor" campaigns in 1976, and was briefly on loan to the "Ford for President" campaign in Missouri.
From 1977 to 1995 he served as Special Assistant to United States Senator John C. Danforth, and in 1995 was appointed Coordinator for Grants and Projects for U.S. Senators Christopher S. Bond and John D. Ashcroft.
From 1997 until his retirement in 2005, Mr. Elsberry was employed part-time with Larry's Motor Sports which allowed him to pursue his great passion for motorcycling. He was an avid collector of motorcycles, guns, cars, and toy models.
Other survivors include one son, Jerry (Renee) Elsberry, Stoutsville, Missouri; one daughter, Jeneane (Jim) Diffenderfer, Perry, Missouri; one step-daughter, Shay (Jim) Bond, Jefferson City; five grandchildren, Erica (Aaron) Shaffer; Emily (Jeff) Gares; Kristin Elsberry; Zach Elsberry; and Blake Elsberry; two step-grandchildren, Mallory (Curtis) Bond-Goodman and Madison Bond; six great-grandchildren, Hannah Shaffer; Ben Shaffer; Madelynn Gares; Maridith Gares; Sophie Gares; and Sylvie Gares; and; one sister, Joyce (Robert "Red") Warren, Madison, Missouri; one nephew, Larry Dale Warren, Madison, Mo.; and one great-nephew, Clay Warren, Madison, Mo.
He was preceded in death by one great-grandson, Jacob Shaffer.
Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Saturday, April 18, 2015, at Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home.
Burial will be in Sunset Hill Cemetery, Madison, Missouri.
Visitation will be 11 a.m. to time of the service on Saturday at Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home.
Memorials are suggested to the Michael J. Fox Foundation, POB 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5041; Preferred Hospice of Columbia, 1900 Providence Road No. 311, Columbia, MO 65202; or Sunset Hill Cemetery, POB 122, Madison, MO 65263.
Those wishing to email tributes or condolences to the family may do so at the www.dulletrimble.com website.
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I had the previlige of working with Clair for many years as his insurance agent. We usually ended up talking politics after conducting business. I extend my sympathy to his family. He was a very talented person. Harold Remley
I’m sorry. He was a sweet man
Clair Elsberry had a long and distinguished career on the front lines of public service. For 18 years, he was a principal contact point between citizens of Missouri and their senator. On a daily basis he addressed the problems of Missourians and fielded their concerns and complaints about their senator. He was a steady presence and a loyal friend. I honor Clair as an example of excellence in governmental service, and extend my condolences to Trish and his family.
Trish, My sympathy to you and to Clair’s children and grandchildren.
Mary Haldiman
Trish, My sympathy to you and to Clair’s children and grandchildren.
Mary Haldiman
I am so sorry for your loss, If I can do anything at all please let me know my new # is 660-354-2118.
My thoughts and prayers to your family. I enjoyed caring for Clair while a resident at Heisinger Bluffs before he moved. May all the wonderful memories you have of his life help ease your sorrow.
Shirley Woehr R.N
My thoughts and prayers to your family. I enjoyed caring for Clair while a resident at Heisinger Bluffs before he moved. May all the wonderful memories you have of his life help ease your sorrow.
Shirley Woehr R.N
Clair was my dependable eyes and ears concerning Missouri politics during much of the time that I was Senator\’s chief of staff. More to the point he was a good and decent man. I consider myself lucky to have counted him as a friend and colleague.
Clair was my dependable eyes and ears concerning Missouri politics during much of the time that I was Senator\’s chief of staff. More to the point he was a good and decent man. I consider myself lucky to have counted him as a friend and colleague.
Trish: Thoughts and prayers are with you. You two were such a wonderful couple and best friends. You will be in our thoughts today. You have our deepest sympathy. Love ya, Barb and Jerry
Trish, of course, you will believe it! I checked to see when visitation was and was shocked to see that I had missed the entire ceremony. It didn\’t occur to me that it would be so soon. After visiting with you, I should have realized it would. I cannot express my regrets for not being there and hope you will forgive me. You know I would have come.
Your friend
Trish, of course, you will believe it! I checked to see when visitation was and was shocked to see that I had missed the entire ceremony. It didn\’t occur to me that it would be so soon. After visiting with you, I should have realized it would. I cannot express my regrets for not being there and hope you will forgive me. You know I would have come.
Your friend
Trish, Just wanted to let you know how blessed to have known you and Clair. Thank you for that. We will miss seeing your smiling face each day. God Bless you and your family. Love, angie (California Care)
After I got out of the army in ’77, I went to college at Warrensburg. I signed-up for the G.I. Bill and after waiting for a month was told by the school’s Veterans Affairs officer my military records couldn’t be located and I wasn’t eligible. I told him there had to be an error. He said there was nothing he could do, but suggested Sen. Jack Danforth had an aide named Clair Elsberry that I should contact and ask for help. I did and within 10 days to two weeks Mr. Elsberry had straightened out the problem. I asked him if I got special treatment because we both had come from Monroe County? He laughed and said, no, assuring me he gave the same attention to all vets. I’m confident he did. I thanked you then, Mr. Elsberry, for your help, and today I salute you.
The first time I met Clair was in Sen. Danforth’s office. I was struck by the handsome man that so graciously stood before me to shake my hand. His gentle touch and mannerisms were noted as was his warming smile. He had a welcoming way that filled that room. He was just that way because that was Clair So many people have been touched by this warming smiled and it will be a huge void left on the hearts of family and friends. Now the Angels will enjoy that smile…..
Thank you for the sweet words Connie….I didn’t realize that was you’re first meeting. Trish
Thank you for that nice tribute….I assure you he meant it.
Thank you so much Angie…I’ll be back by soon.
I do, Donna.
Thank you so much….
Thank you Shirley for your kind words.
Thanks Kelinda…I had tried to call you but had the wrong number.
Thanks so much, Mary.
Thanks Gennifer…yes he was.
Thank you, Harold.
Thanks for the kind words, Senator. He was definitely a dedicated man and he will be missed. He was proud to be your friend.
Thank you Netch for the kind words. I know he thought very highly of you and considered you a friend.
We are so very sorry to hear of your loss Trish. We enjoyed knowing him and knowing you both were so happy together. You are on our minds and in our hearts. We will be praying for you. Love, Skip and Eva Rich