Homer L. Oexman

Homer was born on January 15, 1929 in Freistatt, Missouri to Ludwig (Louis) and Inola Oexman. He was baptized on January 27, 1929 and confirmed on March 29, 1942 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Freistatt, Missouri.

He attended school in Monett, Missouri where he participated in the marching band and played the trumpet and snare drum. After leaving college, Homer joined the Army National Guard in Monett, Missouri. He served as Sergent in the Computer Section of Battery D which sets correction data to the 90 mm guns. He earned badges as a sharp shooter and in marksman ship with 30 cal. Carbine.

A chance meeting at a church function led Homer and Ruth running into each other as they rounded the hallway corner. His asking Ruth to join him for a movie with the other group of young adults became the start of their beautiful partnership and journey in life. Homer and Ruth were marred at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Monett, Missouri on September 21, 1952. They lived in Monett as Homer started a sales position with Swift & Company. His job would relocate them to Garden City, Kansas and Ottawa, Kansas before settling down in the Kansas City area. They joined Peace Lutheran Church in 1969. Homer was an active member, serving as an Elder and Vice President of the congregation and participating in the establishment of the Grow in Peace Child Care. He participated in the Peace Lutheran Bowling league and enjoyed fellowship with the Walther League. He was a member of the Choir for over 50 years. He retired from Swift & Co. in 1994, but continued working on a part time basis as an account representative for a wholesale grocer. Even after full retirement, Homer couldn’t sit still. He worked part time helping with janitorial duties at Peace Lutheran Church. His love for the church and his Savior kept him engaged with any aspect that could help beautify the church or services. He and Ruth considered it an honor to establish the little Chapel in the education wing of Peace. Every Thanksgiving you would also find Homer and Ruth in the church kitchen baking 12 to 15 turkeys in preparation for the meal that is shared with the Child Care families.

You could find Homer on the golf course after retirement but he had a knack for “doodling” and sketching the older cartoon characters; Tweetie Bird, Sylvester the Cat, Bugs Bunny, Yosemite Sam and the Road Runner, to name a few. His handywork is still painted on the walls in their downstairs basement. Homer also found a love for wood working. This new found hobby saw the creation of numerous detailed, scrolled clocks, wall hangings and small side tables.

Homer enjoyed life and loved his family. He would try anything once, like snow skiing in Colorado, after retirement, at the “prodding” of his kids, learning to water ski or experiencing the thrill of taking a plane ride with Tab. He and Ruth enjoyed traveling to many parts of the United States. They planned vacations that involved loading up the station wagon with their three kids and touring this great country. They traveled to Latvia and neighboring countries of Europe. He carved out time to spend with his three children and as their families grew, so did his love for his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He enjoyed attending the many activities and functions of his seven grand kids. Homer had a kind hearted, down to earth nature. He had room in his heart and home where he and Ruth hosted several foreign exchange students. His kind nature and mentorship awarded him the title of Grandpa to those students who stayed with them. Homer and Ruth loved to entertain at their home. Many years of New Years Eve parties were a standard event, with an abundance of Silly String to top off the new year. They had an open door policy; if the lights were on, come on in. Everyone was always made to feel welcome, they wouldn’t have it any other way.

Homer is survived by his wife Ruth whom he was married to for 72 years; son Kenton Oexman and his wife Karen; daughter Linda Gardner, her husband Jeff; daughter Sandy Sauter and her husband Joe. He is survived by his seven grandchildren Kyle Oexman, his wife Amanda; Koby Oexman; Kristopher Oexman, his wife Kayla; Mitchel Gardner; Lisa Sauter and Ryan Gaulding; Jenny Shaffer, her husband Tyler; Katie Burns, her husband Alex as well as Kristine Twidwell and her husband Michael. He is also survived by his seven great grandchildren, Jolene Sauter; Jaxon and Jenna Mae Oexman; Addison Oexman; Samuel and Madison Shaffer and Bryson Burns. Homer is also survived by his sisters in law Baibe Powe, Gunta Merrill and Andra Hooper as well as nieces Laura and Susan; Victoria and Filisha; nephews David, Gundars, Victors, Asa and Don.

We will miss Homer and his witty, dry sense of humor, but we are grateful that because of his faith in Jesus Christ, our risen Lord and Savior, this is not “good-bye” forever but simply “until we meet again”. Go in peace, good and faithful servant. We love you! To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. To God be the Glory!

The family of Homer Oexman requests any donations be made to Peace Lutheran Church.