Edward Dale Rea

Edward Dale Rea, 84, of Springfield, MO, passed away Monday, June 6, 2022, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield. On July 10, 1937, he was born in Prosperity, MO, a son of Harry J. Rea and Mary Grace (Smith) Rea, who preceded him in death.

On October 8, 1955, in Miami, OK, he was united in marriage to Anna Earlene Taffner, who resides in the home.

Ed served his country honorably in the United States Air Force from 1954 until 1963 during the Vietnam War. He retained an associate's degree in Business from Missouri State University, West Plains, MO. Ed was a graduate with honors from the Oklahoma State University Institute school of technology. He worked as a small engine mechanic for many years while owning and operating Rea's Small Engine Repair in Houston, MO. Ed was a former member of the Christian Church in Houston, MO. He enjoyed wood carving. He carved many canes for friends and family for gifts. Ed also enjoyed working on anything mechanical. He enjoyed repairing old clocks and making jewelry. Ed loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Along with his wife, Ed is survived by four children, Chyrl Mullins and her husband Ken of Dallas, TX, Carol Glidewell and her husband Craig of Springfield, DeAnna Lawson and her husband David of Fair Grove, MO, and Edward D. Rea, Jr. and his wife Melanie of Wasilla, AK; seven grandchildren, Xander and Elizabeth Mullins, Lena Hamilton, Danna Latimer, Justin Lawson, Jimmy Rea, and Megan Rea; two great-grandchildren, Vinny and Kenzlee; a sister, Jane Hall of Springfield; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Ed was preceded in death by eight brothers, Ben, Loren, Charles, Jerry, Jack, Wilbur, Harold, and Kenneth Rea, and two sisters, Dorothy Swan and Mildred Potter.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 11, 2022, at the Maranatha Village Chapel, with Ken Mullins officiating.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at the Missouri Veteran's Cemetery, Springfield, MO, with full military honors conducted by the United States Air Force and VFW Post #3404.

Pallbearers will be Ed Rea, Jr., Ken Mullins, David Lawson, Craig Glidewell, Kenny Hamilton, Xander Mullins, Justin Lawson, and Jimmy Rea.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans Organization, 9700 Page Ave Suite 101 RM#1-096, St. Louis, MO 63132.

Arrangements are under the direction of Rea Funeral Chapel.