Emma Lou Clinkenbeard

Emma Lou (Cofer) Clinkenbeard, age 92, of Bolivar, Missouri entered into enteral rest on Monday, November 27, 2023, at Colonial Springs Healthcare Facility, surrounded by her loving family. Emma Lou was born on April 27, 1931, in Buffalo, Missouri to the late Orian and Pauline (Adams) Cofer. As a child she enjoyed playing with pets on the farm, later playing with friends at the station owned by her parents and eventually helping her parents in the family store, Cofer Dry Goods. She graduated from Buffalo High School in 1949. Following high school, Emma Lou worked at the Local Telephone Company. She then continued to help her parents at Cofer Dry Goods which was located on the North Side of the Buffalo Square from 1944 -1971. From 1964 - 1991 Emma Lou owned and operated C & C Fabric Store which was located beside her parents Dry Good Store. In 1947 while skating at the Buffalo Roller Rink she met Bud the love of her life. On November 23, 1950 at the First Christian Church in Buffalo, Mo. Emma Lou was united in their 73 year marriage to Alpha Lee (Bud) Clinkenbeard by Harold V May and witnessed by Carol Lindsey and Donna Freeman. Together they enjoyed working hard and traveling when time would allow. Emma Lou and Bud were active members of the First Christian Church of Buffalo. Emma Lou loved her bridge games but the time spent with friends more. Emma Lou was preceded in death by her husband Alpha Lee (Bud) and son Wayne Lee. She is survived by daughter Carolyn Sue Marley with partner Jimmy Poindexter, son Rex Lynn Clinkenbeard with wife Debbie, granddaughter Rachel Ann Choate with husband Dennis, Nicholas Clinkenbeard with wife Natasha, 5 Great Grandchildren, One sister Paula Ann Phillips with husband Frank. Emma Lou was blessed with multiple nieces and nephews all with fond memories of “Aunt Lou”. In retirement Emma Lou constantly spoke of wonderful memories of family, personal friends and friends made at the Store. She never had a costumer, they were all “Friends”. Emma Lou became an avid bird watcher. Loving each and every bird species who filled their bellies in her back yard. Funeral service is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 30, 2023, at the Cantlon-Otterness & Viets Funeral Home, Buffalo. Visitation will be held the hour prior. Emma Lou will be laid to rest at Maple Lawn Cemetery in Buffalo, Missouri. Arrangements are under the direction of Cantlon-Otterness & Viets Funeral Home, Buffalo.

Emma Lou Clinkenbeard

April 27, 1931 - November 27, 2023