Oley Gene Magness was born May 25, 1936, in Eminence, Missouri, to Orbrey E. Magness and Lillian (Hopkins) Magness. He passed away on March 3, 2025, at Mercy South Hospital in St. Louis, at the age of 88.
He was a 1955 graduate from Eminence High School. He was with the 38th Engineering Department until his Army discharge on July 19, 1965. He then continued to serve his country in the 1st Battalion 155T, 128th Field Artillery, Army National Guard in St. Louis, MO, until his discharge in 1981.
Oley was first married to Betty Goforth, who passed in 2001, and to this union, Oley was blessed with one step-daughter, Sharlene Thomas, and born to this union was one son, Cecil Gene Magness. He then married Sarah Jane (Garland) Freeman and with this union came one step-daughter, Kelly Nash.
Oley worked many jobs with his brother “Shortie”. Oley retired from Alvey Conveyers after 20 years of service. During those 20 years of service, he gave near-perfect attendance. He was said to be a faithful, loyal, and dedicated employee who was always willing to help others with his knowledge.
Oley is preceded in death by his parents, Orbrey E. Magness and Lillian (Hopkins) Magness; by his wife, Sarah Jane Magness; one brother, Francis “Shorty” Magness; sisters, Edna Irene, Flora Mae Hartman, Fern Daisy Durkin, Mary Lou Magness, Sylvia Johnston and husband Earl, and Freda Mighton and her husband Lee; one daughter, Sharlene Thomas and her husband Gene Thomas; and one grandson, Lonnie Thomas.
He is survived by son, Cecil Magness and his wife Susan of High Ridge, MO; Kelly Nash and her husband Russell of Birch Tree, MO; eleven grandchildren, Jeanie Byington and her husband Brian, Jacob Johnston, Ryan Johnston, Jessica Johnston, Daphne Terrill, Victoria Terrill, Audra Magness, Gracie Magness, Lilly Magness, Dom Nash and Alivia Appel; eight great-grandchildren; and a host of nephews, nieces, and friends. He is also survived by a cousin who was closer than a brother, Jessie Myers, of Dittmer, MO.
Oley will be sadly missed by everyone who knew and loved him. He enjoyed visiting and always loved to talk.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Yarber Mortuary, Eminence, Missouri, with Bro. Alan Stringer officiating. Visitation will be held from 6-8:00 p.m. on Friday, March 7, 2025, also at the funeral home. Interment will be in Mt. Zion Cemetery, Winona, Missouri. Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary.com
