Sikeston Standard Democrat: Local News: Local auto dynasties partner together (08/21/11)

Sikeston Ford Lincoln LLC, owned by Autry Morlan, John Morlan and Bryan Palmer, has purchased Sikeston Motors, owned by the Elledge Family. Pictured are, from left: Roger Elledge II, Autry Morlan, Clint Elledge, Roger Elledge, John Morlan and Bryan Palmer.
(Jill Bock, Staff)

SIKESTON -- Three families with long ties to Southeast Missouri, once often in competition, have found they really have much in common. They are ready to travel the road together.

It isn't quite a match made in heaven. Call it a merger made in Detroit.

The announcement Thursday of the purchase of Sikeston Motors, owned by the Elledge family, by Sikeston Ford Lincoln LLC, owned by Autry Morlan, John Morlan and Bryan Palmer, will have the automotive dynasties working together.

Their working relationship really isn't anything new. Autry Morlan said he has long followed the career of Clint Elledge, who began working in the automotive business in the 1940s and purchased Sikeston Motors in Sikeston in 1965. The Morlan and Palmer names are equally familiar.

Now, Clint Elledge said, he is ready to step back a bit from the automotive business and wanted to sell the dealership which has been a fixture along Main Street in Sikeston for more than 40 years.

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