Eli Truman Schrock

Eli Truman Schrock of Greenwood, Delaware went to his eternal home on May 14, 2024, spending the last few weeks surrounded by his loving family. He was 84 years old. Truman was born August 29, 1939 in Greenwood, Delaware to Eli and Lucy (Bender) Schrock. Named after his father Eli, he was the seventh child of nine and the first son. When Truman was 3 years old, he could not stand up straight. He was diagnosed with tuberculosis of the hip, causing his body to bend and go rigid. Fearing that he would have to remain in this position for life, his mother Lucy (a nurse) suggested they straighten and cast him. Truman would wear that body cast for many months. This was the beginning of many painful years to come for Truman. Truman and his "Pop" also ran a saw mill. After getting his driver's license, Truman got into the sawdust business. He would load up the shavings into an old truck and deliver it for $15.00 a load. Seeing that this could be a good business, he purchased two more trucks, giving him a "fleet" of three. He soon realized by building tall sides on his trucks, he could carry bigger loads. As was the normal practice at the time, his earnings were given home to help with family expenses. Truman soon discovered another interest - Auctioneering! In 1958, he got his license. His first auction was to sell the Little Brown Schoolhouse, where he attended through the 10th grade. In May of 1961, Truman married his sweetheart, Mary Mullett. The Johnson farm that adjoined his parents went up for sale, and Truman and Mary were able to purchase it. The Beaverdam tax ditch ran through the property, and so they named it Beaverdam Farm. An old farm house, in much need of repair, was on the property, and so began the remodeling projects. On the farm, hogs were raised, grain tanks were built, farmland was cleared and put into production. It was on this farm they would raise their four children: Christine (Trivits), Lisa (Chupp), Eli III, and Sheila Lynch. Tressler Mennonite Church was an important part of Truman and Mary's life. They were the first couple to be married there. They would serve the church in many capacities, but the one nearest to Truman's heart was the establishment of the cemetery. In 1970, Truman began a 30 year career with the Furst McNess Co. He excelled in selling animal products to farmers, and soon worked his way to field manager, district manager and zone manager. After retiring, he set out for another goal, his dream of developing his own private label dog food. In 2003, he launched Beaverdam Pet Food, which is still in operation today. Travel was a huge love for Truman. Enjoying many family vacations to Florida, he eventually purchased a home there, where he would spend his winters. He seemed to have a knack for persuading friends to join the neighborhood and soon became known as the mayor of Orange Heights. Florida wouldn't have been complete without a boat ride down the Peace River on Truman's boat "The Queen Mary". He took so many guests on rides, that a boat rental company located near his dock reported him to the property management, accusing him of giving tours under the table. In 2018, Truman would lose his wife, Mary, of 57 years. Trying to adapt to his new life alone, Truman visited the local Cheer center. It was here he began spending time with Marge Swartzentruber. The two enjoyed each other's company, playing cards, visiting friends and dining together. In time, they decided on another new adventure. On April 2, 2020, while in the midst of a pandemic, they had a small ceremony on the back porch. Combining their lives, Truman introduced Marge to the Florida community of Arcadia. In addition to Snow Bird winters, they were able to enjoy traveling across the country visiting friends and families. Another project Truman took great enjoyment in was establishing "The Heritage Barn". Truman loved family history, and preserving items of the past. With a large collection himself, he began to display them in his barn. This hobby grew and soon relatives and friends began to contribute items for display. In January of 2023, Truman suffered a stroke while in Florida, needing to return to Delaware for surgery and recuperation. Unfortunately, medical conditions would continue to complicate Truman's life. On May 14, 2024 the Lord called Truman home. Awaiting Truman in heaven is his wife, Mary; his parents, Eli & Lucy Schrock; four sisters (Betty Sharp, Cora Tennefoss, Anna Brenneman, Margaret Eby), one brother (Millard "Buddy"); and a grandson, Anthony Chupp. Missing him while continuing on is his wife of 4 years, Marjorie Swartzentruber Schrock; his four children and their spouses: Christine (Charles) Trivits, Lisa (David) Chupp, Eli Truman III (Judy) Schrock and Sheila (Kevin) Lynch. Thirteen remaining grandchildren: Kyle (Bianca), Kevin (Anna) and Skip (Jenny) Trivits; Amanda (Stephen) Brittin, Lindsey (Kyler) Horne, Mary (Jaren) Ildefonzo; and Davie (Sean) Swartzentruber; Amelia (Isaac) Suarez, Emily Schrock and Eli Truman Schrock IV; Jessica Chisenhall; Brittany (Brock) Pilcher and Kevin Lynch Jr. And 19 great-grandchildren: Daphne, Charles, Connor, Juliet, Wyatt, Waylon, Hank, and Brynn Trivits; Adaline, Garrett and Thea Brittin; Titus and Lilith Horne; Julian, Vivianne, Dominic, and Liam Suarez; Kynlie Lynch Pilcher; Eli Truman Schrock V. (and 3 more on-the-way) And 3 remaining sisters: Olive Mast, Wanda (Lester) Kehl and Sarah (Dr. Rameo) Escaro It is with our deepest gratitude we say "Thank you" for all the love and words of encouragement expressed to our family. In addition to his family, and so many friends, Truman was blessed to have not only one, but three church families: Tressler Mennonite, and Greenwood Mennonite, both in Greenwood, Delaware, as well as Pine Creek Chapel in Arcadia, Florida. In addition, we want to express a special "Thank you" to Millie Sherman, a dear sister-in-law, who has been a steady support in their home for many years. We appreciate your continued prayers as we adjust to life without Truman, Dad, and Grandpa Schrock. He was one special guy! We will miss him dearly. Marge, Christine, Lisa, Eli and Sheila.

Eli Truman Schrock

August 29, 1939 - May 14, 2024