Elmer Clyde Hacker

Born on September 24, 1929, in St. Louis, Missouri, he was the son of Elmer Frank Hacker and Edith (Raines) Hacker. In his baby book, his mother wrote, “We named him Elmer after his papa and Clyde because we just liked the name.” It was a simple beginning for a man whose life would be defined by quiet strength, deep integrity, and a generous heart.

Elmer was a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great‑grandfather, and friend. Those who knew him knew the truth of him: the kindest and gentlest of hearts, brilliant yet humble, stern yet fair, a man of few words and a wicked sense of humor. He led not by speeches but by example — a steady presence, a quiet role model, and a man whose character spoke louder than anything he ever said.

A staunch believer in the dignity of work and the value of the trades, Elmer lived a life of many skills and many hats. Over the decades he served as an Army Chief Warrant Officer 3, a skilled auto mechanic, a typeset and offset printer, a photographer, a union leader, a bus driver, a limo driver, and a volunteer. Whatever the job, he approached it with competence, pride, and an unwavering work ethic.

In September 1950, Elmer married the love of his life, Jeanne (Likins) Hacker. Together they built a home filled with devotion, humor, and resilience, and raised three children who were the center of his world: Beverly Jeanne, Gary Alan, and Nancy Gayle.

Elmer was immensely proud of his growing family:

Beverly had two sons, Luke and Justin. Justin and his wife Carrie blessed the family with twins, Victoria and Thomas.

Gary and his wife Ricky have two daughters, Caitlin and Kelly. Kelly and her husband Everett expanded the circle of family he held so dearly.

Though Nancy and her husband Reuben lived far away, miles never dimmed the love they carried for Elmer.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jeanne (2009) and his grandson Luke (2019).

Across nearly a century of life, Elmer witnessed enormous change, yet he remained steadfast in the values that defined him: kindness, fairness, humor, humility, and the belief that a good life is built through love and honest work.

His legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the people he helped, and the quiet example he set every day.

Like the best British shows he loved, his life was full of heart, wiry wit, and moments that made you feel at home.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Services private.

Condolences for the Hacker family may be offered at www.hoffmeistersouthcounty.com