Elmer Ray Prebe age 97, of rural Edina, MO, passed away Thursday, November 3, 2022, in the Knox County Nursing Home in Edina, MO. He was born on February 7, 1925, south of Edina, MO the son of Edward Bergen and Mary Jean Woodward Prebe. He was united in marriage to Viola Frances Brown on April 15, 1947, in Kirksville, MO and she preceded him in death on April 15, 2010 after 63 years of marriage. Ray was also preceded in death by his parents, two sons, Edward Ray Prebe and John Walter Prebe, a sister and brother-in-law Kathy and Norbert Killday, and a brother-in-law A.G. Rimer.
Surviving are three children, Mary Ann (Randy) Nieders of Chesterfield, MO, Jeanie (Randy) James of Knox City, MO, and Chrissy (Terry) Kiley of Columbia, MO, a daughter-in-law Sheree Prebe of Edina, MO, a brother Gary (Donna) Guinan of Antioch, TN, two sisters Bebe Ann Rimer of Edina, MO and Ruth (Joe) Brandt of Lake Ozarks, MO, fourteen grandchildren, Sheila Whitney (Chad), Tom Prebe, Dax Nieders (Lindsey), Andrea Kasle (Sam), Jonathan Prebe, Michael Prebe (Taylor), Jessica Wolf (Jamie), Christopher James, Shelli Franke (Brent), Cody James (Leanne), Amanda Mullenix, Allison Mulholland (Greg), William Pattison, Kathy Stuart (Justin), twenty-eight great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Ray was engaged in farming southeast of Edina most of his life. He served his country in the United States Army during World War II from 1943 to 1946 receiving three overseas bars, victory ribbon, Asiatic Pacific theater ribbon and good conduct ribbon. Ray worked for the Missouri Highway Department forty years retiring as Area Supervisor and cherished the friendships he made over the years.
Ray was an active member of the Mason Lodge for over 60 years. He was also a member of the Edina Christian Church, serving in various roles throughout the years. He served on the board of the Knox County Nutrition Site and loved going there often. Ray maintained an active social life until his death by delivering meals, playing cards with friends, visiting with family, attending church services, fishing, and traveling. He was always ready for an adventure and kept his family and friends on their toes and will be greatly missed by all.
Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Sunday, November 6, 2022, in the Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home in Edina, MO. Burial with full military honors will be in Park View Memorial Gardens in Kirksville, MO. Officiating the services will be Pastor Paul Harvey and Beverly Peters.
Music will be Amazing Grace by Alan Jackson, Go Rest High on the Mountain by Vince Gil and a Room Full of Roses.
Casket bearers will be Mike Peters, Donnie Davis, Kevin Strange, David Hamlin, Kirk Strange, Alan Rimer.
Honorary bearers will be Red Callahan, Kenny Cooper, David Mitchell, Lynn Douglas, Larry Lumley, Bill Hayes, Weldon Wray Woodward, Mike Fox
Visitation will be held from Sunday, November 6, 2022, from 12 noon till time of services at 2 p.m. in the Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home in Edina, MO.
The family suggest memorials in memory of Elmer Ray Prebe be made to Knox County Nutrition Site and Edina Christian Church. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1, Edina, MO 63537. Online condolences may be left at www. hudsonrimerfh.com