Vera Lee Wymer

Vera Lee (Walker) Wymer went to be with her Lord on Monday, April 11, 2022. She was born in rural Crawford County, MO on October 18, 1929, to Tressie Clonts Walker and Arvel Walker. Vera married Howard Troy Wymer on August 4, 1948, and they shared over 70 years together, until Howard’s death in March of 2019. She is survived by her seven daughters – Patricia (Jerry) Campbell of Buffalo, MO, Retta Draper (the late Dr. Charles 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, as well as 22 grandchildren, 43 (soon to be 44) great-grandchildren, and her brother James (Bonnie) Walker of St Louis, MO. She was preceded in death by her father, Arvel Walker, her mother, Tressie Clonts Walker, her sisters, Lillie Stout, Wilma Crabtree, Ina King, and Retta Walker (infant), her brother Jason Walker, her son-in-law Dr. Charles Draper, and the love of her life, Howard Wymer. The words written in Proverbs 31 are exemplified by this sweet, spunky lady. She was a pastor’s wife through and through, walking quietly alongside her husband as he was the face and voice of their over fifty-year ministry together, always ready to be the hands and the heart of the ministry. There’s no doubt that she fed thousands of people throughout her lifetime, opening her home without question when Howard invited people over for Sunday dinner or for the famous Christmas “soup and sing”. You cannot begin to imagine how many hot rolls, batches of chicken and noodles, pies, cookies, and many other delicious dishes that she cooked over the years! In addition, she often supported the ministry by playing the piano or organ at church, singing with the girls, teaching Bible school and Sunday school, and leading the women’s group. Hospitality and service were truly her gifts. In addition, Vera planted flowers, pulled weeds, broke countless green beans and canned them, cut corn off the cob to freeze, plus all the other gardening that needed to be done to feed a large family. She loved mushroom hunting and could spot a morel mushroom from fifty yards. She was also a seamstress extraordinaire, sewing for all seven of her daughters, as well as making countless quilts for family and friends. When she wasn’t busy doing all these other things, she also played a mean game of softball! She was well known for her pitching abilities on the church softball team. Vera also had a bit of a “spunky” side, and you’d have to get up pretty early to get ahead of her. She had a twinkle in her eyes and a crooked grin when she was feeling a little bit ornery, and she could set you straight with her sarcasm and a smile if you needed it. Of course, the sarcasm and orneriness could most easily be drawn out by her seven sons-in-law, although we’re told that she was famous for her “eye roll” with the nurses at the nursing home. Vera loved serving with the love of her life and sharing about the love of Jesus and the hope that this world is not our home. She loved her family, especially the babies, and couldn’t wait to have everyone visit. In later years, when she was struggling with dementia, she didn’t always know everyone, but she knew they were her family and she loved just being with them. When the family would get together, she would mostly just sit quietly and watch the activity going on around her, soaking up every moment. She is no longer struggling with her memory. She is no longer missing the love of her life. She is no longer confused about what is going on or who people are. Rest well in the arms of Jesus, momma. Papa, we took good care of your “honey” for you. We’ll see you in the morning! Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, April 15, 2022 in the Cantlon-Otterness & Viets Funeral Home with Rev. Tony Mattia officiating. Escorts will be David Draper, George Hammett, Nathan Mattia, Jarod Campbell, Matthew Jacobs, and Brian York. Interment will be in the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery under the care and direction of the Cantlon Otterness & Viets Funeral Home of Buffalo. Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday in the Funeral Home.

Vera Lee Wymer

October 18, 1929 - April 11, 2022