Jacob Dean Massey

Jacob “Jake” Dean Massey, son of the late John and Juel (Flenner) Massey, was born March 13, 1936 in Somerset, Kentucky where he grew up and graduated from school. Jake, as he was known by his family and friends, entered the United States Air Force shortly after graduating from high school and served for four years. After completing four years active duty, he enlisted in the Army National Guard in Maryland where he served for 16 years. Jake felt the call to continue serving his country and continued to serve as an active duty soldier in the United States Army for 21 years. His duty stations included: the Pentagon; Ft. Jackson; Ft. Bliss; Ft. Knox, Kentucky; Anchorage, Alaska; Presidio, California; and Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. For his faithful service, Jake earned several awards and commendations; some of which include: Meritorious Service Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (4th Award), Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award), Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (5th Award), Overseas Service Ribbon, Army National Guard Recruiter Master Badge, and the Expert Qualification Badge Rifle M16. At the time of his retirement from the military in 1996, he had attained the rank of Sergeant Major. He had served his country faithfully for a total of 41 years. On July 11, 1957, Jake was united in marriage to the love of his life, Myrna Cloyce Harman in Ringgold, Georgia. They shared over 57 years of marriage together and were blessed with two daughters: Tammy and Cynthia. In his spare time, Jake enjoyed being outdoors while fishing and hunting. He liked to work with wood and was very talented at it and enjoyed doing crossword puzzles. One of his favorite pastimes was watching Old Western movies and hollering at the kids if they happened to walk in front of the television. Most importantly, he loved spending time with his family. He was a member of the Masons and served as a past Master in Maryland. Jake passed away Monday, December 15, 2014 in the Phelps County Regional Medical Center of Rolla, Missouri having attained the age of 78 years, 9 months and 2 days. He will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved him. Jake leaves to cherish his memory, his wife: Cloyce Massey of the home; two daughters: Tammy Drawdy (James) of Joplin, MO and Cynthia Dornbush (Stephen) of Duke, MO; ten grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; two sisters: Mary Cummins and Margaret Holt; three brothers: Kenneth, Steve and Nicholas Massey; many beloved nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Jake was preceded in death by three brothers: Johnny, George and Joseph Massey. Graveside services with military honors were held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 19, 2014 in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery of Waynesville, Missouri with Chaplain (CPT) Guido Gonzalez officiating. Military honors were provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Jake Massey and may be left at the funeral home.

Jacob Dean Massey

March 13, 1936 - December 15, 2014