Eric Naegler was born on June 8, 1945, in Springfield, MO, to Kurt and Grace Naegler. He began working in his father's filling station when he was 10 years old. The name on his uniform was "Toots." He graduated from Central High School in 1963 and was senior class president. He attended SMS, where he would have been a 5th year freshman.

He worked for both Paul Mueller Co. and Huntco Steel for many years. He enjoyed being in manufacturing. He owned several businesses, including Senior Recruiters (a personnel service for Baby Boomers & Better), and retired from Assisting Aging Parents in 2010. He was an elder at Westminster Presbyterian Church. He was active in the Springfield and Ozark Chamber of Commerce, the Workforce Development Board, and was an advocate for the elderly. Eric was Co-Chair of the Character Education Program. He served on two condo boards in Florida and on two medical advisory boards. He was a writer, who wrote, "Think ahead of Disaster: A Guide for Assisting Again Parents", sermons, and other articles.

He was married to Judy Snodgrass Naegler for 35 years, and she preceded him in death. He is survived by three children, Christy and Rob Snelling of Springfield, Rick and Krista Naegler of FL, and Kittie Walton of New Jersey. He married Ann Culbertson Bluehdorn Naegler in 2003, and they shared 14 blessed years together. In 2008, Eric and Ann began spending a significant amount of time on South Hutchinson Island, Florida; they especially enjoyed the pool. The took many wonderful trips together and last summer took an Alaskan Cruise. His wife Ann survives him. Eric is also survived by two beloved grandchildren, Derrick Naegler and Alicia Walton. He is also survived by two stepchildren Kirsten & Mike Markley and Brian Bluehdorn and a step-grandson Jordon Bluehdorn; and by his dog Buster. He is survived by his siblings Kurt, Jane, & Max Naegler and special cousin Joe Naegler.

Eric had a delightful grin, a wonderful sense of humor, and a positive attitude. He enjoyed much about life; horseback riding, fishing, boating, officiating at High School football games, coaching Little League Baseball and Mighty Might's Football, water activities, travel, food, the Cardinal's & Bear's Basketball, cooking, mini golf, and morning coffee on the deck. He was intelligent and a genuinely good man with a great heart.

At an early age, he was told he probably wouldn't live past 50. He got 20 bonus years and lived them to the fullest. He had been in poor health for some time and was ready to go home to God. His criteria for meaningful life was being able to go through the buffet line on a cruise ship. There is one less vote for Donald Trump. He was a blessing to us all.

Funeral services will be held at 2 P.M. on Tuesday, May 31, 20016 at Westminster Presbyterian Church. A visitation will be at the church from noon until the time of the services. Burial will be held in Ash Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association.