Elmer Reid (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Elmer Lee Reid was born August 16, 1941 in Richland, MO to Edgar Reid and
Clara Blanche Allen Reid. He departed his earthly life on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at
Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri. He was eighty-two years, nine months
and sixteen days of age. Elmer lived the majority of his life in and around Laclede
County.
Elmer was preceded in death by his parents, Edgar and Blanche Reid; his
granddaughter, Shayla Headley; his brothers, Alva and Earl; and three sisters, Jane,
Wilma, and Edna.
Family was a cornerstone of Elmer’s life. He is survived by his loving
wife, Mary Reid; his brother, Jack Reid of Lebanon; his sister, Judy Luthy and her
husband Tom of Lebanon; his daughter, Tina Headley and her husband Robert of
Lebanon; his son, Torey Reid and his wife Tammy of Spokane, Missouri; six
grandchildren, Krystal, Tyler, Dylan, Brayden, Natalee and Gracie; five great-
grandchildren, Ella, Violet, Milo, Sylvie and Callie; and many relatives and friends that
will miss him dearly.
On June 1, 1964, Elmer married the love of his life, Mary Kelly. He passed
away surrounded by Mary and family on their 60th wedding anniversary, but not before
telling Mary happy anniversary and that he loved her.
Together, Elmer and Mary cultivated a beautiful life centered around their faith in God
and their beloved family. Elmer spent many fondly remembered years working on the
farm. His farm life consisted of milking dairy cows, raising beef cattle and breeding a
wide variety of dogs, which brought everyone tremendous joy, especially the grandkids.
Elmer also spent time employed at Appleby Boats and Emerson Electric, where he was
consistently praised as a talented and dedicated worker.
Elmer dedicated his life to Jesus Christ at an early age, and his relationship with God
was very important to him. He always maintained a deep faith and loved worshiping at
Crossroads Freewill Baptist Church. He served at Crossroads as a deacon in the
church and was a longtime member there.
Elmer thoroughly enjoyed coon hunting and fishing. He loved watching the St. Louis
Cardinals and discussing their performance. Bluegrass and Gospel music always
brought a smile to Elmer’s face. He was also a gifted handyman. From lawn mower
engines to computers, there was nothing he couldn’t fix.
Elmer will be remembered for his faith in God and his overflowing love for his family,
who endearingly refer to him as Poppy. He maintained the highest level of integrity and
loyalty towards all who knew him. He was a hard worker and supportive of his family no
matter the circumstance. His kind demeanor and loving nature made every moment in
his presence rich and meaningful.
A devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, his family
was the center of his world. He deeply loved his brothers and sisters. His greatest joy
was creating lasting memories with family. We celebrate Elmer’s life and
accomplishments and know that his family and friends will treasure the wonderful
memories he made for them.
Funeral service for Elmer Reid will be Friday, June 7 at 2 p.m. at Crossroads Free Will Baptist Church. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Crossroads Cemetery.
A memorial to Lane Change, a non-profit recovery program that supports local individuals struggling with substance-use disorder, has been established in memory of his granddaughter, Shayla Headley and donations may be left at the funeral home.
What’s your fondest memory of Elmer?
What’s a lesson you learned from Elmer?
Share a story where Elmer's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Elmer you’ll never forget.
How did Elmer make you smile?
