Steve Geiver

Stuart Edward Gressley, 66, of Sedalia, MO, died Tuesday, February 15, 2011, at Bothwell Regional Health Center.

He was born June 1, 1944, in Indiana, PA, a son of Raymond H. and Elisabeth (Buck) Gressley. On November 5, 1966, at Hickory Chapel Methodist Church, Lincoln, he married Madge Hanes, who survives of the home.

He was a graduate of Mars High School in Mars, PA.  He received an AS degree from State Fair Community College and a BS degree from Central Missouri State University (now University of Central Missouri).

He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1964-1967.  He served in Vietnam from 1966-1967 and was stationed at Whiteman AFB with the 377th security police squadron and the Air Force reserves at Richards-Gebaur Air Force Base receiving an honorable discharge.

During his working career, he taught business courses at State Fair Community College, was the station manager and weatherman for KMOS TV, was a AAA insurance agent, was in advertising sales for The Sedalia Democrat and later KDRO, and was an on-air-radio-personality for KSIS radio.

He was a member of the VFW, American Legion, Sedalia Dinner Club, Sedalia Police Personnel Board, Citizens Committee for Smart Growth, and served two terms as a city councilman.  He enjoyed hunting, bowling and collecting Budweiser beer steins.  Stu had a wonderful sense of humor, loved telling stories, practical jokes, and never met a stranger.  He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and a friend to all.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his mother, Elisabeth Gressley, of Sedalia; a son, Randall Gressley (Harmoni), of Sedalia; a daughter, Christine Gant (Brian), of Smithton; a brother, Kenneth Gressley (Barbara), of Leesburg, FL; a sister, Raybetta Moore (Bob), of Sweet Springs; five grandchildren, Holly, Lacey, Hannah, Chandler and Grace Gressley; and several aunts, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Raymond Gressley.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Saturday, February 19, 2011, at Parkview Christian Church with the Rev. Rodney Brown officiating.

Honorary pallbearers will be Randall Gressley, Raymond Gressley, Scott Gressley, Gregory Gressley, Keith McCandless and William McCandless.  Masonic services will be at 10:30 a.m. with visitation to follow until service time at the church.  Full military honors will be conducted by VFW Post 2591 at the church immediately following the service.  Cremation will follow with burial at a later date.