Earl Wayne South

Earl Wayne South, 82, of Sedalia, MO, passed away on December 17, 2024, in Independence, MO of a broken heart for the loss of his beloved Martha, leaving behind a legacy of love, hard work, and cherished memories. He was born on December 1, 1942, in Carmi, IL, the son of Jewell Delbert South and Anna Francis (Renschler) South, who preceded him in death.

He married Linda Lorene Ungethim Kuhn on October 14, 1967. They were married until February 22, 1978, and later remarried on October 14, 1978, remaining together until January 23, 1987. On December 23, 1989, he married the love of his life, Martha Yvonne (Hammond) Reine and they shared a loving marriage until her unfortunate passing on December 15, 2023.

Earl was born and raised in Carmi, Illinois, graduating from Carmi White High School in 1960. After graduation, he joined the U.S. Navy as a machinist, which took him to Connecticut, Maryland, California, and Hawaii. Following his service in the Navy, he returned to Carmi before moving to Evansville, Indiana, to complete his degree.

Earl pursued his passion for engineering, starting his education at Southern Illinois University Carbondale and finishing at Indiana State University Evansville, now known as the University of Southern Indiana. In the early 1980s, he relocated to Sedalia, Missouri, to work for Waterloo Industries until his retirement. He spent part of his retirement living at Lake of the Ozarks and the remainder back in Sedalia.

As an engineer, Earl dedicated eight years to General Tire and seven years to Bucyrus Erie in Evansville, Indiana. He later worked at Waterloo Industries in Sedalia for approximately 16 years.

A devoted member of the First Christian Church in Sedalia, Missouri, he also contributed to the community through his involvement with the Elks Lodge, the Masons, and the Shriners.

Earl was a man of many passions. An avid outdoorsman, he found joy in hunting and fishing throughout his life. His enthusiasm for card games like Clabber and Bridge was infectious. He took great pleasure in crafting his own alcoholic beverages, including beer, schnapps, and Irish cream. His love for woodworking, leather working, and amateur gun smithing was evident in his creations. But above all, he found the most joy in doting on and bragging about his kids, grandkids, great-grandkids, and great-great-grandkids.

Earl's love for his family was boundless. He is survived by his daughters: Shanah Johnson (Joel) and Noelle Selby (Mike); his step-sons: Steve Reine (Linda Pyle Conn) and Terry Reine (Kathy Parkhurst); his grandchildren: Amy and Kari; his step-grandchildren: Heather, Todd, Ambrea, Justin, Skyler, and Austin, along with their spouses, children, and grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. His love and warmth will be deeply missed.

A celebration of life service will be held on Tuesday, December 31, 2024 at 12:00 p.m., at Rea Funeral Chapel, Sedalia, MO, with Rev. Dr. Chad McMullin officiating.

A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the chapel.

Services at Campbell & Stendeback Funeral Home in Carmi, IL are pending.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516, in the care of Rea Funeral Chapel.

Arrangements are under the direction of Rea Funeral Chapel in Sedalia and Campbell & Stendeback Funeral Homes in Carmi, IL.