The Town Bully – Ken Rex McElroy’s Reign Over Skidmore

 

Skidmore, Missouri – Population: 437. Fear: Unmeasurable.

In the quiet farming town of Skidmore, Missouri, the name Ken Rex McElroy didn’t just stir unease—it triggered dread. By the late 1970s, McElroy had become a living specter of intimidation, violence, and manipulation. He wasn’t a shadowy figure lurking in the dark—he was brazen, visible, and untouchable.

🧠 Who Was Ken Rex McElroy?

Born in 1934, McElroy was the 15th of 16 children. He dropped out of school in eighth grade and quickly developed a reputation for cunning and cruelty. Over the years, he was accused of:

• Assault

• Child molestation

• Statutory rape

• Arson

• Burglary

• Cattle rustling

• Witness intimidation

Yet despite more than 20 felony charges, McElroy was never convicted. He had a pattern: hire slick lawyers, intimidate witnesses, and manipulate the legal system. His presence in court was often accompanied by veiled threats and cold stares.

🧨 The Trena McCloud Story: Abuse and Control

One of the most disturbing chapters in McElroy’s life was his relationship with Trena McCloud, who was just 12 years old when he began grooming her. At 14, she became pregnant. McElroy allegedly burned down her family’s home and shot their dog to force her into living with him.

Eventually, he married Trena—not out of love, but to prevent her from testifying against him in court. Under Missouri law at the time, a spouse couldn’t be compelled to testify against their partner. It was a calculated move, not a romantic one.

🧊 A Town Held Hostage

McElroy’s tactics weren’t limited to individuals—they extended to the entire town. Residents were afraid to speak out. He’d park outside homes for hours, stalk people, and threaten anyone who crossed him. Law enforcement seemed powerless. Prosecutors were frustrated. And the town’s collective silence grew heavier with each passing year.

Skidmore wasn’t just dealing with a criminal—it was living under siege.

🕯️ Tone and Takeaway

This isn’t just a story about one man—it’s about a community pushed to its breaking point. Part One sets the stage for what would become one of the most infamous acts of vigilante justice in American history.

Next Up: Part Two – The Bowenkamp Shooting We’ll dive into the moment that shattered Skidmore’s patience—and set the town on a path toward irreversible action.