Albert Jack Reuter

Albert Jack Reuter, age 91, passed away on June 16th 2009 at this home in Springfield, MO surrounded by his family. Jack was born in Sedalia, Missouri to Robert and Rosalie (Breeden) Reuter, September 30, l9l7. He graduated from Smith Cotton High School in l936. Jack worked as a reporter for the Sedalia Democrat newspaper before joining the Missouri National Guard in l940 as a Private for a pay of only $21 a month. He was taken into Federal service that year. He served in the Philippines and New Guinea during WWll, in Korea and in Viet Nam as a civilian advisor. During his twenty-one years of service he served in the Alaska territory, Germany and a number of stateside assignments, retiring in l961 as a Lt. Colonel. After retirement, he was partner in the Vaughan Insurance Agency in Urbana, Missouri for 20 years.

Jack married Martha Miller in l943 in Kansas City, KS. They were parents of Jackie (Jimmy) Crawford, Robert (Jane) Reuter, Rike Reuter-Hart, Kip (MaryJane) Reuter, Renate Reuter, and Tara(Robert) Johnson; and grandparents to nine grandchildren; Janna Mensa, Jason Crawford, Paige Reuter, Jonathan Reuter, Rhianna Reuter, Amanda Reuter, Kelsey Reuter, Lee Caleb Hart and Robyn Reuter. All who survive him. He is also survived by one sister; Nancy Tinsman and two nieces of Eugene, Oregon.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father and a brother, Robert.

Jack had a passion for the outdoors including fishing and hunting, shooting his first deer at age 90. Also he enjoyed walking, bird watching, hiking and attending the Missouri State Fair; and would jump at any opportunity to just "go."

Jack was active in community service. He led many organizations and groups particularly in Urbana, Missouri. He was a member of the Lions club in Urbana from 1964 to 2003, and then a member of the Queen City Lions Club.

Jack knew the Lord and through his service and faith walk led many to the faith and others to understand more deeply. He was a charter member of Prairie Chapel United Methodist Church in Urbana, Missouri and an active member of Asbury United Methodist Church since his move to Springfield. Jack served as a Sunday school teacher, superintendent, and a lay member to Annual Conference.

In 2001 Jack was diagnosed with Leukemia. He endured an intense round of chemotherapy with good humor and a positive attitude. In the years that followed he proved to be a survivor, continuing his morning walks and exercises as he had for many years prior. Jack persevered through illness and weakness with a strength of body and character that amazed his doctors, family and friends. As husband, father, grandfather and friend Albert Jack Reuter was loved and respected and will be forever remembered and missed. Memorial visitation will be from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday June 18, 2009 in Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home, 500 E. Walnut.

Memorial services will be at 12:00 p.m. Friday June 19, 2009 in the funeral home with Rev. Michael Blacksher officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at 2:00 p.m. in Missouri Veterans Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or the Asbury United Methodist Church Youth Ministries.

Online condolences can be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com.