Bernard J. “Bernie” Elking, Sr., May 26, 2023, Bernard J. “Bernie” Elking, Sr., entered into eternal life with his family by his side. Beloved husband of Alice (nee Christensen) for 60 years, Bernie is preceded in death by his parents, Sarkese and Rose (nee Reask) Elking and eight brothers and sisters all of St. Louis, MO, Edward Elking, Sr., Eugene Elking, Mildred DiBello, Louise Elking, Jeanette Vincent, Jerrylene Sensmeyer, Gloria Elking and Ronald Elking, Sr.
Born April 1, 1941, Bernie grew up in St. Louis. He spent his youth working in his parents’ grocery stores where he learned his first trade as a skilled meat cutter. He went on to work as a union butcher for several grocery stores.
Bernie then turned his hobby into a business and entered go-kart racing. He opened a retail go-kart shop located in South St. Louis City, as well as a racetrack (Meramec Speedway) in South St. Louis County on Telegraph Road.
At the height of gas shortages in the late 70s, Bernie opened his first Mobil service station located at 4305 Chippewa. He opened his second Mobil station in 1982, located at 2286 S. Kingshighway.
In 1989, Bernie threw his hat in the ring and ran for mayor of the City of St. Louis.
From there, he went on to open a pre-owned automobile dealership located at 8214 Gravois St. In 1981, Bernie again turned his passion into profession and became a licensed federal firearms dealer. He operated Southtowne Service, selling firearms to police, friends and family for many years.
Bernie made countless friends along the way, and everyone loved him. He had a heart of gold and would always put others first. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Bernie is survived by his wife, Alice, and six children: Bernard J., Jr. (Trish), Charlie (Julie), Jeff (Julie), Scott (Jennifer), Stacie (Kurt), Melissa (Joe); 22 grandchildren: Amanda, Alexa, Caroline, Bernard J., III, Ava, Emily (Kevin), +Sister Madeleine, Chad, Erin, Jay (Megan), Elise, Catherine, Jenna, Mike, Taylor, Katie, Jackie, Matt, Roger, Kara, Nicole and Jacob; four great grandchildren: Jack, Luke, Henry and Ophelia; and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Monday, June 5, from 4 – 8 p.m. at Kutis South County Chapel (5255 Lemay Ferry Road, St. Louis, MO 63129) with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m.
The funeral service will be Tuesday, June 6, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Raymond’s Cathedral, 931 Lebanon Drive, St. Louis. Friends and family will gather for a prayer service at 9:15 a.m. at Kutis before departing for St. Raymond’s.
Interment will follow at Sts. Peter & Paul Cemetery on Gravois Road.
Rest In Peace uncle Bernie.
I always loved Uncle Bernie. Spent a lot of time with him at the Go Kart shop
Go Rest High on the Mountain Bernie, you’ve earned it. A long time friend whom I sadly lost track of after retirement. I know you will be missed by all Bernie. Prayers for the family’s comfort. 🙏🙏🙏
Uncle Bernie you were the best uncle and person anyone could ask for, treated me like a son more than a nephew, you will be missed A lot of great memories at go-kart shop-track and gas station, I will never forget them, you taught me a lot of things in life, (Rest high on that mountain)
Uncle Bernie you were a great man-person , Glad I got to see you a few weeks ago, Rest high on that mountain, your gone but never forgotten.R.I.P.
There are no words for the legacy Bernie has left in many of our lives, I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to be able to call him a friend.🙏🌹
Always a good guy and friend who loved the police
Used to spend time at both of his service stations back in the 80s and early 90s
He was always a happy fun guy to be around
Rest in peace my friend
You will be missed
My condolences to the Elking Family. Bernie was a great guy. Always very good to the local police officers. Rest In Peace Bernie 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻.
Grew up with the cousins on Hickory. Lots of fond memories of cousins. Love and Prayers to the Elking Clan .
I worked with Bernie at several of his steps along the way. He was always upbeat and optimistic, kind, and a giver. Magnetic personality. He leaves a powerful legacy of those wonderful traits. God Speed my friend.
Bernie and Alice had a life most of us can only dream of. Dedicated to each other in every way. Had 6 beautiful children. A life they can be very proud of. Alice and all the family will certainly miss him. God rest him.🙏🏻🙏🏻