Albert Elba Sayre

Elba Sayre

Albert Elba Sayre, 91, of Unionville, MO, died at the Kirksville Manor Care Center in Kirksville, MO, early Tuesday morning, July 29, 2014.

Elba was the seventh child and sixth son of William Ira and Lida Mae (Harmon) Sayre, who preceded him in death. He was born east of Milan, MO, in Sullivan County, on June 7, 1923. He received his elementary education at the Oak Gove Country School and graduated from the Milan High School in 1941.

Elba was united in marriage to Billie June Clevenger on June 12, 1943, and she preceded him in death on October 2, 2001. To this marriage two children were born, a daughter, Linda June Sayre Boyd, who preceded Elba in death on May 22, 2001, and a son, Steve Sayre, of Kirksville, MO. Other survivors include a grandson, Bobby Boyd and a great granddaughter, Shelby Boyd, both of Unionville, MO; one brother, Earl Dean Sayre of Maryville, MO; and two sisters, Dorothy Teter of Liberty, MO, and Helen Harris of Milan, MO. Four sisters-in-law and several nieces and nephews also survive.

Siblings who preceded Elba in death were Harold in 1998, Herbert in 1968, Porter in 1979, Selden in 1995, Elmer in 1983, Edward in 2005 and an infant twin sister and brother in 1931.

Elba and Billie June moved in Unionville in 1951 to work with Carl Partin on his farm. Elba began working as water Superintendent for the city of Unionville in 1965. He also served as City Marshal working many long nights patrolling the streets, making arrests, stopping speeders, and checking businesses making sure the locks were secure. Elba served as Mayor of Unionville in the early 1990’s. He held this position for two years; he thoroughly enjoyed trying to enrich the betterment of the city of Unionville in order to make it a place to live and enjoy. Elba was united in marriage to Recil Mae (Wallace) Thompson in Milan, MO, on September 21, 2005, and she survives. They enjoyed each other’s company, always taking a ride around the country enjoying the sights to be seen. He was disheartened when Recil was admitted to the Putnam County Care Center in 2013.

All who knew Elba will surely miss him.

Graveside services for Elba will be held at the Oak Grove Cemetery in Sullivan County, MO, at 11:00 AM on Friday, August 1, 2014. Visitation will be at Playle and Jones Family Funeral Home in Unionville, MO, on Thursday, July 31, from 6:00 – 8:00 PM.

Memorials are suggested to the Oak Grove Cemetery and may be entrusted with Playle and Jones Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th St., Unionville, MO 63565.