Truman Wrye

Truman Wrye of Barnett, MO passed away on May 3, 2026 at St. Mary’s Health System in Jefferson City, MO at the age of 102.

Truman was born on March 9, 1924 in Eldon, MO to James W. and Dollie (Vernon) Wrye, one of 5 children: Truman, Erma (Wrye) Stark, Duane Wrye, Norma (Wrye) Jackson and Sharon (Wrye) Johnson. 

He graduated from Eldon High School in 1943.  At an early age he and his little brother Duane played on a fast pitch softball team named the Rinky Dinks.  They were known as Big Eick and Little Eick and Truman was the pitcher.  In High School he was on the basketball and track teams.  In track he ran the low hurdles and pole vaulted.  He always said, “The older I get, the better I was.”

After High School he served in the United States Navy during WWII from 1943-1946.  In his words, “It was for 2 years, 5 months & 11 days.”  He was ranked Gunner’s Mate 3rd Class Squad leader.

On March 24, 1945 he married Evelyn Maurine Taylor.  They had 2 sons: Gary (Erma) Wrye of Mexico, MO and Larrry (Kathy) Wrye of Eldon.  Evelyn preceded him in death on December 10, 1985.

After his Military Service he attended Central Business College in Kansas City.  Upon graduation he and Evelyn moved back to Eldon where he starting farming with his father-in-law Clarence Taylor while attending Agriculture School under the GI Bill.  A few years later they started their own farming operation and he became a lifelong farmer raising crops and livestock until his retirement.

Over the years he served on the Morgan County Extension Council, Barnett Special Road District, was a 4-H project leader, served on the Eldon School Board and was an Elder, Sunday School Superintendent and Teacher and also a Preacher at the Barnett Union Church for many years.

On September 25, 1989 he married Helen Margaret Riffle.  She preceded him in death on August 15, 2010.  Helen was an avid golfer and talked Truman into taking up the game, which he did.  He enjoyed the game and he continued to play up until his last round at age 93.

He had many interests and hobbies over the years including furniture making, metal art works, quail hunting, running his bulldozer, fishing and watching sports.  But he enjoyed mostly being with family and watching his children and grandchildren participate in their many sports events.

He is survived by his 2 sons and their wives, five grandchildren: Melinda Wrye-Washington (John Welty), Teresa (Kirby) McKenzie, Amanda (Jeff) Byrd, Kellie (David) Atkins, Brian Wrye and 10 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by his parents James and Dollie Wrye, a brother, Duane Wrye and sisters, Erma (Wrye) Stark, Norma (Wrye) Jackson and Sharon (Wrye) Johnson.

Visitation will be Saturday, May 9, 2026 from 10:00 AM -11:00 AM at Phillips Funeral Home of Eldon, MO with the Funeral Service beginning at 11:00 AM with Jim Randall officiating.  Burial will follow at Greenmore Memorial Gardens in Barnett, MO with Full Military Honors presented.

Memorials in his name are suggested to the the Latham Christian Church.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Phillips Funeral Home of Eldon, MO.   

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