Eli Truman Schrock's Obituary
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.
What’s your fondest memory of Eli?
What’s a lesson you learned from Eli?
Share a story where Eli's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Eli you’ll never forget.
How did Eli make you smile?
