Clyde Gail Demand

Clyde "Gail" Demand, 87, of Smithton, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at the Sylvia G. Thompson Residence Center in Sedalia, Missouri. He was born on January 27, 1938, in rural Smithton, the son of Rodric Demand and Bessie Viola (Momberg) Demand, who preceded him in death.

On June 29, 1963, in Knob Noster, Missouri, Gail was united in marriage to Gwenda Sue Kuhlman, who survives of the home.

Gail attended Ringen Elementary School and later graduated from Smithton High School in 1956. During his high school years, he was active in basketball and baseball, participated in 4-H, and worked alongside his father on the family farm.

Following graduation, Gail began his working career at Dr. Googes Veterinary Clinic. In 1958, he went to work as a rodman for the Missouri Highway Department. In 1959 he was drafted into the United States Army and after six months of training at Fort Leonard Wood. Upon returning home, Gail resumed his career with the Missouri Highway Department, where he dedicated 35 years of service and retired as a Senior Construction Inspector. He also proudly served in the National Guard until April of 1981, retiring with the rank of Master Sergeant.

Gail enjoyed hunting and fishing, reading John Grisham novels, and listening to gospel music. Prior to retirement, he and his family spent many summers at the lake, where Gail took great joy in pulling family and friends on water skis and the zip sled, always eager to make sure everyone had a turn.

In addition to his wife, Sue, Gail is survived by three sons, Mitchell Demand (Lorrie), Michael Demand (Renee), and Matthew Demand (Shan); six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; a sister, Linda Ryan (Pat) of Camdenton, Missouri; a sister-in-law, Alma Demand of San Antonio, Texas; and several beloved nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Gail was preceded in death by a brother, Sylvan Ray Demand.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 9, 2026, at Rea Funeral Chapel, with Pastor Jason Veale officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the chapel.

Burial will follow at Lake Creek Cemetery in Pettis County, Missouri, with full military honors conducted by the United States Army and Sedalia VFW Post #2591.

Pallbearers will be Mitchell Demand, Michael Demand, Matthew Demand, Devan Harms, Mason Demand, and Blake Demand. Honorary pallbearers will be his granddaughters, Christy Shoemaker, Madison Demand, and Autumn Demand.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lake Creek Cemetery Association, Lake Creek United Methodist Church, or to a charity of the donor's choice, in care of Rea Funeral Chapel.