Since 1981, Skidmore has been on a downward spiral that does not seem to have a bottom to it. Skidmore was never a large farming community, but it is now teetering around 250 residents, down from a high of 450 or more. Not all of that can be blamed on Ken McElroy. Maryville has become the shopping center for the area, much to the dismay of smaller communities like Skidmore. There are very few businesses left in Skidmore.
The bar which is now called the “Skidmore Food and Drink”, Sumy’s gas station, and the grain elevators that still process corn and soybeans. That is really about it. The old Masonic Hall is gone, as is the oil station across from Sumy Oil. The bank closed years ago and the B&B Grocery has been shuttered for years now. Despite the changes, much remains the same. It is a quiet but friendly community that still to this day refuses to talk about the killing, or who did the shooting.
I will not attempt to rehash the entire story, there is an excellent book “In Broad Daylight” by Harry Maclean that covers all the details in an easy and engaging style that will keep you turning pages for hours. Bottom line is, two men have been mentioned numerous times as the primaries behind the shooting, Del Clement – who was named as the killer by McElroy’s wife Trena the day of the shooting, and Gary Dowling according to police records recently opened to Harry Maclean. Del Clement passed away in April 2009 from Cirrhosis of the Liver. He died without saying a word about the killing.
Masonic Cemetary - Skidmore, MO
Reported to be the oldest home in Skidmore
Skidmore Christian Church
Entering Skidmore via Route 113
Another view from Route 113 (Elm Street)
Weather beaten, and faded Punkin Show sign that is no longer maintained
Entering Skidmore via Route DD
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This is the creepiest town I have ever been in!My grandma once told me about McElroy.He had tried to get his young son to use her bathroom while we wanted to steal from her. This town reminds me of Jeepers Creeeper The Movie. I moved to maryville,mo in 2008. my father drove me through the town.It feels like that whole town is haunted.And there is a boy that has been missing for along time now.People in that town know alot just won’t speak.