Edgar Webber

Edgar Lee Webber passed away Saturday, August 16th, 2025 surrounded by family at the Putnam County Care Center while under hospice care. He was born February 13, 1930 on the family farm northeast of Unionville, Missouri. Edgar was the second eldest of five children born to Glen and Glendolya (Jarman) Webber. He grew up with a love for the outdoors. His childhood was filled with exploring and wandering the hills of the rural farmland and swimming at Black Bird Creek. He earned the nickname "Red" thanks to his bright red, curly hair, fair skin, and freckles. He was raised attending Stringtown Christian Church and accepted Jesus as his Saviour at the age of 11.

As a student, Edgar attended the country school near Stringtown and began attending Unionville High School in eighth grade. He was involved in FFA and enjoyed playing varsity football. He said the game had taught him life lessons, including the value of teamwork and the importance of getting back up after life knocks you down. He was a storyteller and loved retelling stories of his adventures to his children, grandchildren, or anyone with a listening ear.

Edgar was a graduate of the Class of 1948 of Unionville High School. His ambitions never wavered far from his roots, desiring to own a farm of his own and raise cattle. In pursuit of his dream, Edgar moved to Iowa to find work and save for his first farm. He worked some odd farming jobs until landing a full-time position at Maytag in 1949, where he began working as a Stock Chaser in the Production Department. In the 1950s, Edgar also owned a stock car, which his driver raced at numerous stock car races around Iowa, mainly at Knoxville Raceway. He served one full term in the Army Reserves, was promoted to Sergeant and served a portion of a second term before being Honorably Discharged for medical reasons.

In October of 1952, he married Doris Tool at Tool's Chapel near Monroe, Iowa. At the time, Edgar and Doris were both employed by Maytag. The couple saved up for and purchased their first farm north of Hartford, Missouri in 1954. Three years later, Edgar and his wife sold the first farm and purchased a larger farm east of Unionville, moving their growing family down from Iowa. He worked for Skelgas in Unionville for several years. In 1971, Edgar was injured in a car accident, breaking his back. After fully recovering, the couple formed Webber's Upholstery and Fabric. Edgar trained with a local craftsman to learn lathe work and began working full-time doing woodworking and upholstering, retiring 30 years later from their business. He continued farming for many more years.

Edgar served over 50 years as a deacon in the local Baptist churches. In April of 2022, Edgar was honored and presented with a plaque as Deacon Emeritus for 41 years of service by Broadlawn Baptist Church. He was often found reading his Bible and studying his Sunday School lessons, in addition to sharing wisdom, prayer, and encouragement with those in need.

Known for his humble disposition and warm personality, Edgar found enjoyment in farming, hunting, and woodworking. Although his farming life and his church family were of great importance to Edgar, he treasured his family above all else. He dearly loved his wife of over 72 1/2 years as well as their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was blessed with love, laughter, great friends, treasured memories, and a farmland view most would admire.

Edgar was preceded in death by his wife, Doris; his parents, Glen and Glendolya Webber; in-laws, Carroll and Stella Tool; eldest brother, Harold; sister in-laws: Laura Webber, Carmelita Tool, and Carol Perkins; brother-in-laws: Oscar Davids and Johnny Dixon; and many dear friends. He is survived by six children: Randy (Gayla) Webber of Unionville; Ron Webber of Unionville; Gary Webber (Kathy Weiss) of Louisiana, Missouri; Dr. Carolyn Webber of Clearwater, Florida; Lorena (Brad) Grabill of Unionville; and Glenda (Bud) Gustin of Oklahoma as well as a daughter-in-love, Rhonda (Walby) Webber of Unionville. His lasting legacy also includes: nine grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; 15 step-great-grandchildren; and 12 step-great-great-grandchildren. Living siblings include: Nadean Davids of Keokuk, Iowa; Norma Dixon of Unionville; and Bud (Darlene) Webber of Unionville, as well as brother-in-laws: Jim (Cindy) Tool of Monroe, Iowa, and Kenneth Tool of Reasnor, Iowa.

Edgar will be remembered by those remaining as a faithful and loving husband, father, Papa, brother, uncle, a faithful servant, and a lifelong friend. His big grin and joyful cackle, which could brighten any room, will be missed immeasurably. He once stated his favorite place to be was "in the hay fields, surrounded by God's beautiful creation. It's peaceful out there." His family trusts there are hayfields in heaven for him to enjoy. One day, they will again be reunited with their parents/grandparents among the heavenly fields.

In celebration of Edgar's life, please join the family for his service to be held August 22nd, 2025 at Thomas Funeral Home in Unionville, Missouri. Viewing will start at 10 AM followed by the service at 11 AM. A graveside service will immediately follow at the Unionville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Broadlawn Baptist Church in Unionville or Connections Activity Center, a local ministry for youth in Unionville.

To view the livestream of Edgar's service, click the link below or visit: https://my.gather.app/remember/edgar-webber