Jeffrey “Jeff” Reid

Jeffrey “Jeff” Reid, 70, LaGrange, Mo., passed away at 7:18 p.m., Friday, Feb. 3, 2023, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, Ill.

Jeff was born March 28, 1952, in Hannibal, Mo., to Gerald “Jerry” M. and Clara Jean Predmore Reid. He graduated from LaGrange High School with the class of 1970.  He was married to Donna Griesbaum on June 2, 1972 at Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church of Taylor, Mo.

Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Donna Reid, LaGrange; his son, Ed Reid (Dana); daughter, Toni Haught (Ronald); bonus son, Jeff Hess; grandchildren, Owen Reid, Sylvia Reid, Madison Stone and Dylan Stone; bonus grandson, Matthew Sly; and his faithful furry friend, Harper. His sisters, Jackie Higley (Garry), Janet Stoner (Maurice) and Jane Foulk (Sheldon); step-brother, Mark Murphy (Pam); outlaws, Glenn (Martha) Griesbaum, Wanda (Brad) McPike and Harold (Helen) Griesbaum; sister-in-law, Cindy Griesbaum; and many loved nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

Jeff was preceded in death by his grandparents, J.O. and Ida Reid, Virginia Reid and Chester and Pauline Predmore; parents, Jerry and Clara Jean Reid; father and mother in-law Otis and Frances Griesbaum; uncle, Joe Reid; aunt, Charlie; brothers-in-law, Ralph Griesbaum and Robert Stevenson; and step-mother, Jenny Reid.

Jeff volunteered for many years with the Maywood Fire Department, served on the Lewis County Farm Bureau board, and relished every opportunity to join the Great River Walk to Emmaus, an experience of Christian spiritual renewal. 

Over the years, he would dabble in detailed woodworking projects such as Madison’s baby crib, bowls and other fun projects. He enjoyed gospel music, 70s country, and his favorites, LeAnn Rimes and Kris Kristofferson.

Farming is a way of life, a labor of love passed on through five generations of the Reid family. Jeff, with his wife by his side, farmed for 51 years. He was inspired to see the sun rise in the morning, a gift from God, and relieved to see it set after many hours of hard work. He was thrilled to see the birth of a calf or the smell of the air after new mown hay, but all of this would be hollow without his relationship with God and the love of his family. 

Jeff would do anything for them; he was a genuine and patient man, not one for a lot of unnecessary words, so when he spoke, you knew to listen. 

As the husband to a pastor of St. Francesville and Luray UMC, he often helped around the church, playing the music for worship and always there to minister to the men of the church, a calling if you will, to help guide them through their troubles. Jeff, with his kind eyes and knowing smile, will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

A funeral ceremony will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 9, at the Mt. Olivet Church of Taylor. Reverend Brian Eckhardt will officiate. As requested by the family, please feel free to wear casual jeans and shirts to the visitation and funeral.

Pallbearers will be Marvin Meservey, Dennis Mayer, Chip Shriver, Charlie Baker, Jack Fountain, Roy Miller, James Abbott, Ed Reid and Ronald Haught.

Honorary pallbearers will be Julius Ketsenburg, AJ Getz, Virgil Clow, James Eichor and Rusty Shultz and Herschel Long.

Fire Department Honor Guard courtesy of Maywood R-4 Volunteer Fire Department.

Friends and family are invited to Jeffrey’s Life Celebration at a visitation that will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 8, at Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel in Palmyra.

Memorials may be made to Great River Walk to Emmaus, Mt. Olivet Church of Taylor or the Life, Light, Hope Fund through Hannibal Regional Hospital Foundation.

Online condolences may be shared, and video tribute may be viewed at www.LewisBrothersFuneralChapel.com.