ROBERT JOSEPH EDLEN
ROBERT JOSEPH EDLEN
Robert Joseph Edlen, 88, of Kahoka, MO passed away peacefully at 6:28 pm on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at his home. Joe was born on July 30, 1935, in Keokuk, Iowa to Harold and Louise (Fox) Edlen. He was united in marriage to Bessie Ann (Gregory) Edlen on June 13, 1954, at the Kahoka Christian Church Parsonage and she survives.
Joe graduated from Kahoka High School. He then went on to further his education and graduated with a degree in criminal justice from Truman State University. Joe and Ann lived in Japan for four years, where Joe was in the Military Police in the Army, and then he spent two years in Germany. They moved to Columbia, MO, where Joe was on the Columbia Police Dept. for 10 years. He was a juvenile officer for Boone and Callaway counties, he also worked 8 years for Crawford Insurance as an arson investigator adjuster. In 1980 they became the owners of Gregory Antiques until retiring in 1997. Joe was an avid trout fisherman and enjoyed wood working. Joe was a charter member of the Clark County Moose Lodge. He also served on the board for the Kahoka Senior Center and was a Deacon and faithful member of the Kahoka Christian Church.
Joe is survived by his wife Ann, three daughters: Teresa Denham of Kahoka, MO, Debra (John) Jones of Venus, TX, Kimberly (Tim) Johnson of Kirksville, MO, seven grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, son-in-law: Rodney Scott, a sister: Mary Tayloe, and 1 brother: Stanley (Jack) Edlen.
Funeral Services with Full Military Rites for Robert Joseph Edlen were held on Monday, January 29, 2024, at 11:00 am at Wilson & Triplett Funeral Home, Kahoka, MO burial followed at Kahoka Cemetery. Pastor Rick Addison officiated. Visitation was held at the Wilson & Triplett Funeral Home, January 29th, from 10:00 am until the time of service at 11:00 am. Memorials in memory of Robert Joseph Edlen are suggested to Kahoka Senior Center or Local Kahoka American Legion Post 192. You are invited to share your memories of Joe and may leave a condolence at www.wilsontriplett. com.
Acknowledgement of Military Service
The members of the United States Army, the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars hereby acknowledge that comrade-in-arms Robert Joseph “Joe” Edlen served our country for six years,one month, and seven days in the United States Army.
He served as a Military Policeman attaining the rank of Corporal (E-4). He was stationed with Company D, 709th Military Police Battalion for three years, eight months and eighteen days in Germany.
He was awarded and authorized to wear the following decorations: Army Good Conduct Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster
National Defense Service Medal
Expert Marksmanship Badge – Pistol 45 Caliber
He enlisted 12 November 1953, received an honorable discharge 18 December 1959 and returned to Kahoka, Clark County, Missouri.
He continued to serve as a reservist in the United States Army Reserves.
The caissons have been muffled and the flag lowered for our comrade-in-arms, Corporal Edlen, who joined the staff of the supreme commander 25 January 2024. At his final post we wish him fair skies and smooth pathways.
