Edward Eugene Bartels Sr., 83, of Hallsville, died Wednesday, January 20, 2021 in Centralia.

Funeral services will be held 2:30 PM Saturday, January 23, 2021 at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Centralia, burial to follow the service in the Centralia City Cemetery.

Visitation will be held Saturday, from 1:00 PM until the time of the service at the church.

To those attending the visitation and service, we ask that you wear a face mask, and maintain social distancing. Be aware that capacity and seating may be limited. We will follow guidelines set forth by Boone County.

Edward was born November 9, 1937 in Jackson, MO, the son of Frederick August and Monta Frances (Mungle) Bartels.

Ed had a passion for farming and animals at a young age and went to the University of Missouri where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Master of Science in Agriculture.  In June of 1962 he married Rose Marie Fessler. While their marriage did not last forever as they had hoped they raised their four children together.

He was a great dancer and his love for dance led him to his future dance partner.  Ed met Sheryl by chance at a dance and she became his partner for life.  They got married February 2, 1992 in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.  They continued this love for dance by going to square dances and many dances.

Edward is survived by his wife, children Eddie (Denise) Bartels of Fulton, Rollie (Tina) Bartels of Columbia, Cassie Bartels of Keller, TX, Rob (Shelley) Bartels of Fulton, stepchildren Pam (Tom) Downing of Columbia, Michael Crosby of Columbia, sister Janet Bartels of Macon, GA, 13 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

Edward was preceded in death by his parents and great grandchildren Garrett and Wyatt Thompson.

He was a volunteer firefighter with Boone County Fire department and was instrumental in helping develop the volunteer program in the early 1970's.  His love for the horse was so grand that he packed up the horse trailer and his children and traveled across the country going from horse show to horse show.  He once said "There is nothing better than being at a horse show; I can make a 360 degree turn and see all four of my children doing something they love and it keeps them out of trouble

Ed taught his children how to give back to the world by giving of his time. When his children were in elementary school, he was the Santa every year, which he loved to do.  He served as President of the Missouri State Saddle Club Association for several years.  He was a life long member of the American Quarter Horse Association and Missouri Quarter Horse Association.  He has served as an elder and trustee for Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.

Memorial donations are suggested to the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and may be sent in care of Fenton-Kendrick Funeral Home, 104 S. Collier Centralia, MO 65240.