Elbert C. Heath, 88, of Oak Grove, Missouri, passed away from COVID-19 pneumonia, Wednesday, December 2, 2020, at the VA Hospital in Kansas City, MO.  Due to the pandemic, no visitation will be held, but a website has been established at https://padlet.com/jonheath1029/w9nb7y2xu99r79wa

where memories, pictures and comments can be shared.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the US Department of Veteran Affairs at https://www.volunteer.va.gov/apps/VolunteerNow/, or the Veteran’s Community Project, a nonprofit group based in Kansas City which provides transitional homes and services to homeless veterans, at https://www.veteranscommunityproject.org/.

Elbert was born April 6, 1932, at the family home near Atherton, MO, the son of Clive and Osa (Garrison) Heath.  He attended Oak Grove High School and graduated from there in 1950.  He married Joyce E (Smith) Heath from Windsor, Ontario, Canada, on September 25, 1954.   Elbert served in the US Army in the 675th FA 105 Howitzer unit, an airborne unit, from 1953 to 1955 where he received the National Defense Service Medal, Leadership status as a parachutist and a medal of Good Conduct.   He transferred to the Army Reserve under the Universal Military Training and Service Act and subsequently earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Physics.  Elbert farmed and taught Physics, Chemistry and Math at the Raytown school district and the Penn Valley Community College until his retirement.  He and his wife were actively involved in AFS, the Oak Grove Community of Christ church where he served as a High Priest/Evangelist, and the Oak Grove R-6 school board where he served as president for many years.  He wrote poetry and had a poem about the electrification of his family home in rural Missouri published.

Elbert was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce; his sister, Bernita; three brothers, Mack, David, and Nige; and two grandchildren, Christopher Heath and Amanda Claxon.

His survivors include a daughter, Heather Heath-Frank (Mark) of Oak Grove; three sons: Michael Heath (Peggy) of Oak Grove, Douglas Heath (Venita) of Oak Grove, and Jon Heath (Laura) of Lee’s Summit, MO; eight grandchildren: Briana Frank, Aaron Frank, Jonathan Heath, Joshua Heath, Nathan Heath, Amber Foree, Jon Tyler Heath, and Gracie Heath; and five great-grandchildren: Hannah, Caitlyn, Christina, Wesley, and Evan.

Arrangements:  Royer Funeral Home, Oak Grove, MO   816-690-4441