Ned M. Azdell, 91, of Mexico, died Tuesday, March 30, 2021, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 2, 2021 at 11 a.m. at Bethel Presbyterian Church with burial at the church cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday evening from 5 to 7 p.m. at Arnold Funeral Home.
Ned was born on Sept. 5, 1929 in Mexico, the son of Milton Berry Azdell, Sr. and Lucille Elizabeth (Dozier) Azdell. He attended Hazel and Bean Creek schools and in May 1947 he graduated from Mexico High School.
In Feb. 1951, he entered the U.S. Army was stationed at Camp Chaffee, Ark. On Sept. 16, 1951, he married the love of his life, Elaine Kerr, at Bethel Presbyterian Church.
After being discharged, Ned and Elaine moved back to Mexico where they continued farming and in 1954 they bought the Hopkins farm where they lived their entire married lives.
Ned and Elaine were active in the Bethel Presbyterian Church where he served as Sunday school superintendent, Sunday school teacher, deacon and elder. They were also active at the Missouri Veterans home as volunteers, Gideon’s, 4-H, and he served as an ASCS committeeman. They were the recipients of the Dale H. Schnarre Rural Citizen Award. Ned also enjoyed flying for many years.
They are survived by two children, Dennis (Belinda) Azdell and Melody (Pat) Farnen, both of Mexico; five grandchildren, Travis (Bobbie Jo) Azdell, Jeremy (Audrey) Azdell, Jared Buffington, Lacey (Grant) Van Den Heuvel, and Jenna (Caleb) Frazier; 11 great-grandchildren, Raven, Race, Emma, Rhae, Christian, Joselynn, Kate, Adleigh, Jaxon, Phoebe, and Claira; one brother, Berry (Jo Ann) Azdell, Jr. of Mexico; a sister-in-law Joanne Kerr of Mexico; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Elaine; a brother, Dozier; and a brother-in-law, Joe Bob Kerr.
Ned and Elaine were known for their generous hospitality and their home was always open to company.
Memorials can be made to Gideon International or Bethel Presbyterian Church.
Condolences can be made at www.arnoldfh.com.
