Edgar Lee ‘Eddie’ Tuley Jr.
Edgar Lee Tuley Jr. “Eddie”, 70, Palmyra, Mo., passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus at 3:57 a.m., Thursday, June 29, 2023, at his home in rural Palmyra.
Eddie was born Aug. 20, 1952, in Hannibal, Mo., to Edgar Lee Tuley Sr. and Mildred Nadine Ragar Tuley. He was married to Kathy May O’Leary on April 26, 1975, in Philadelphia, Mo.
Edgar Lee “Eddie” Tuley Jr.
Survivors include the love of his life and wife of 48 years, Kathy Tuley, Palmyra; children, Edgar Lee Tuley III “Tri” (Halley), Williamstown, Mo.; Tate Allan Tuley (Jalene), Taylor, Mo.; Tanner Auston Tuley (Aleasha), Palmyra; and Tinslee Alyce (Cole) Sutter, Palmyra; brother, Marvin Tuley, Palmyra; sisters, Marilyn Powell (Gene), Monroe City, Mo.; Millie Collins, Hannibal; Donna Graupman (Dennis), Palmyra; and Sheila Tuley (Gary Hayes), Perry, Mo.; grandchildren, Cora, Edgar Lee Tuley IV, Naomi, Daxton, Rigsby, Esther, Elias, Bexlee, Haven, Matthias, Roegen, Breelyn, Asa and Ember; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister-in-law, and two brothers-in-law.
Eddie grew up and lived his whole life on the farm, and as a boy his family managed a dairy herd. In 2003 alongside his brother, Marvin, they transitioned into beef cattle and row crops.
It was a life he loved, up early to tend to the cattle and check the fences in his silver truck, toothpick in his hat, and dog following along, always work to be done.
In general Eddie was a quiet man who loved the Lord, his family and his farm. He took pride in taking care of the people and things he loved. He was a devoted husband who did what he could to support his wife, Kathy, washing the supper dishes every night since the birth of their first child, helping her in the garden or heading to town to watch a movie or even grocery shop.
As a father, he enjoyed cutting wood with his boys and spending time with his favorite daughter. Sunday dinners with everyone there together were his favorite.
He lived by example, teaching his children and grandchildren the important things in life, loving God, taking care of family and serving others in any way you can. Christmas was a special time to Eddie as it was a time to celebrate the Lord and make cherished memories with those he loved.
He had a servant’s heart, helping elderly friends and neighbors with their financial matters, serving as the treasurer for Mission Hill for 43 years, and was quick offering his time or farm for special church events, like the annual hayride that took place on his farm.
We can see him now, his genuine smile, kind eyes and “see ya later!” as he headed on down the road.
The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, July 3, at Mission Hill Baptist Church in Palmyra. Pastor Kent Lewis will officiate. The burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Palmyra.
Pallbearers will be Dan Moss, Doug Spratt, Carl Bock, Brad Hubbard, Steve Kiefaber, Pat Smith and Donnie Vanskike.
Friends and family are invited to Eddie’s Life Celebration at a visitation held from 4 to 7 p.m., Sunday, July 2, at Mission Hill Baptist Church.
Memorials may be made to Mission Hill Baptist Church.
Online condolences may be shared, and video tribute may be viewed at www.LewisBrothersFuneralChapel.com.
