Edward Joseph Bode

Edward "Joe" Bode, 78, of Sedalia, MO, passed away on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at the University of Missouri Hospital in Columbia, MO. He was born on December 13, 1945, in Jefferson City, MO, the son of Cletus Bernard Bode and Margaret Ann (Roling) Bode, who preceded him in death.

On September 13, 1969, in Olathe, KS, he was united in marriage to Dianne Mary Wurtz, who resides in the home. Married for 55 years, Dianne exhibited her deep love for Joe in his final years by attentively caring for his medical needs.

Joe graduated from Helias High School in Jefferson City, Missouri, in 1963. He then attended Lincoln University, State Fair Community College, and the University of Wisconsin at Madison, Wisconsin. Joe also served in the National Guard from 1965 to 1970.

Known for his career as a banker, Joe's first job in the finance field was in 1967 when he opened a Thrifty Finance Office on Ohio Street in Sedalia. He was known as "Thrifty Joe Bode." He was then hired at Third National Bank and worked there for fourteen years. In 1982, he was hired as CEO of Boatmen's Bank in Marshall, MO. Joe became the regional manager through the Boatmen's organization and oversaw seven central and west-central Missouri rural banks. It was an easy choice for Joe to return to his Sedalia roots and work again at Third National Bank, and in 1993, he became President, CEO, and chairman of the board of Third National Bank until his retirement in 2008.

Joe was an avid adventurer who had several hobbies during different periods of his life. His notable hobbies included photography, driving a racecar, flying airplanes, fishing, hunting, golfing, camping, tinkering on his hotrod, motorcycles, and sailing. Above all, Joe loved to spend time at his cabin in Warsaw, MO.

Joe was extremely involved in both the Marshall and Sedalia communities. While living in Marshall, Joe served on the Indian Foothills Park Board and the Marshall Chamber of Commerce. For the Sedalia Community, Joe was part of the Sedalia Chamber of Commerce, Sedalia Pettis County Economic Development Board, Bothwell Hospital Board, Center for Human Services Board, Rotary Club, Jaycees, and Knights of Columbus and served as President of the Sedalia Country Club. Joe once said about Sedalia, "I have been to other places and Sedalia is a great town - It has great people, it has great integrity, it has a lifestyle that outshines other areas."

During his free time, Joe took great pride in watching his two children, Sarah and Stephen, find success on the golf course and, later in life, loved watching his grandkids play sports. He loved his Mizzou Tigers and the Kansas City Royals and was thrilled with the Chief's recent Super Bowl wins. He always loved playing golf with his children and friends. His loyal dog, Cooper of nineteen years will miss him greatly.

In addition to his wife, Joe is survived by two children, Stephen Joseph Bode (Lila) St. Louis, MO and Sarah Jo Eisenmenger (Spencer) of Parkville, MO; four grandchildren, Bode Eisenmenger, Reese Eisenmenger, Olivia Bode, and Bridget Bode; two sisters, Janet Evers of Jefferson City, MO and Jean Brandt (Nelson) of Chamois, MO; four nephews, Matt Evers, Tim Evers, Richard Brandt, and Randy Brandt; and one niece, Becky Adler.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at St. Vincent de Paul Parish Sacred Heart Chapel with Father Joe Corel officiating. The Rosary will be prayed prior to the funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Monday, November 11, 2024, at Rea Funeral Chapel. Feel free to wear your favorite Mizzou, Royals, or Chief's sportswear to the visitation. The burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery, Sedalia, MO.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Steve Roling, John Bus, Karl "Bub" Caldwell, Larry Horton, Van VanDyne, BJ Curry, Ron Brockman, Ken Azan, Charlie Crawford, Dale Maggard, Lee Walker, and Harv Ebers.

Memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart School Foundation or State Fair Community College Foundation in the care of Rea Funeral Chapel.