Rev. Howard Troy Wymer

Howard Troy Wymer (a.k.a. Preacher Wymer, Brother Howard, Howie (to the bus kids), Grandpa Howard, and Papa (to his seven daughters) went to be with his Lord on Saturday, March 2, 2019. He was born in rural Crawford County, MO on August 2, 1927 to Elsie Gormley Wymer and Robert Troy Wymer. He married Vera Lee Walker on August 4, 1948 and they shared over 70 years together. He is survived by his “honey” Vera, their seven daughters – Patricia (Jerry) Campbell of Buffalo, MO, Retta Draper of Livingston, LA, Beverly (Doug) Hammett of South Africa, Twila (Tony) Mattia of Wamego, KS, Teena (David) Jacobs of Springfield, MO, Lisa (Troy) York of Richland, MO, and Rebecca (Brent) Lea of Springfield, MO, 23 grandchildren, 34 (soon to be 35) great-grandchildren, and his brother, Robert Wymer of St. James, MO. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Troy Wymer, his mother, Elsie Gormley Wymer, his sister, Ava Cartwright, and his son-in-law Charles Draper. Howard was ordained to the gospel ministry in June of 1951, and pastored churches in Leasburg, Mozell, Milo, Asbury, Liberty, Conway, Springfield, Fair Grove, and Buffalo MO during his nearly 50 years in the ministry. His legacy can be seen in the countless “children in the Lord” that he led to know the Savior he loved so much. He was always ready to “preach the Word, in season and out of season”. He never met a stranger, and no one “got away” without him asking if they knew Jesus. He loved Vera, his girls, and his family, and had the privilege of baptizing all of his daughters, and many of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He knew the value of hard work and always made sure his family was well provided for. He loved gospel music, fishing, gardening, good home-cooking, hunting mushrooms, scary tractor rides with the grandkids, throwing biscuits, swimming in the creek, stealing food from other people’s plates, making biscuits and gravy, and potato soup with cornbread. He was a prayer warrior, and his family will always treasure the memories of seeing him on his knees early in the morning, reading his Bible and praying for them. He was a gentle man, and a loving father and grandfather. He loved to sing about Jesus, and many of his favorite hymns were the ones about heaven. You have fought a good fight, you have finished your race, you have kept the faith. Well done, good and faithful servant; enter into the joy of the Lord. Goodbye for now, we’ll see you in the morning. Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 7, 2019 at the Cantlon Otterness & Viets Chapel with Rev. Tony Mattia officiating. Escorts will be Jarod Campbell, David Draper, Ronnie Hammett, Nathan Mattia, Matthew Jacobs, and Brian York. Music will be provided by Patrick Mattia, Dorie Lea, Hannah Taylor, Leah Baker, Stefanie Noah, and Rachel Custer. Interment will be in the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery under the direction of the Cantlon Otterness & Viets Funeral Home of Buffalo. Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Funeral Home. In Lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Campers on Missions.

Rev. Howard Troy Wymer

August 2, 1927 - March 2, 2019