Henry Noble "Jeff" Reitz , 65, went to be with his Lord, after a short struggle with cancer, on April, 17, 2018, in St. Luke’s Hospital surrounded by his family. He was born on August 14, 1952 at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri, the son of Jack and Yvonne Reitz .
Jeff was united in marriage to Robin Farmer in February 15, 1974 and the couple had one son, Jeremy D Thornton. Jeff and Robin divorced in 1987. Later he was united in marriage to Sandra K. Lee on October 4, 1999. Sandy had 3 daughters Stephanie, and twins Cassidy & Ashley. On July 22, 2014, Jeff was united in marriage to Susan Knapp in Clinton, Missouri
Jeff graduated from Archie High School in Archie, Missouri, He later became a Book Keeper for MFA , working at several different locations over the years. He also worked in the Agriculture Field with a degree in Chemical mixing and administration and repair of trucks & machinery. While living in Stockton, Missouri, he worked in a fertilizer plant and raised hogs and cattle on the family farm. Jeff was a great family man and a loving father. He was a social, active man who was deeply involved in and loved the Western Missouri Antique Tractor & Machinery Association since his retirement in 2016. He collected Minneapolis Moline Tractors and equipment for the majority of his life. He enjoyed farming, hunting, fishing (without a fishing pole!) and anything to do with tractors, motorcycles, truck and anything that had a moving part. His family and friends will always remember him as a man with a heart of gold who would do anything to help anyone. He would always donate to anyone that had tragedy or loss in the community. He worked hard and long to be a man and held his faith in God at the top of each days priorities. Jeff was Baptized as a child and again on August 10, 1980 Baptized with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
He was preceded in death by his father, Jack E. Reitz; his wife Sandy K. Reitz on August 23, 2002.
Jeff is survived by his wife, Susan Knapp Reitz of the home; a son Jeremy D. Thornton and wife Sarah, Stockton, Missouri; 3 step-daughters, Stephanie Hinkle and husband Jason, Sarcoxie, Missouri, Ashley Lambeth and husband Matt and Cassidy Block and husband Bryan all of Reeds, Missouri. He has 15 grandchildren that he loved and adored. They called him everything from PAPA to HEY YOU!; his mother, Yvonne Reitz, Garden City, Missouri; a brother, William L. "Mutt" Reitz and wife Pam, Adrian, Missouri; a sister, Helen "Sis" Woodring and husband Steve, Garden City, Missouri; other relatives and many friends.
Masonic services will be held Friday, April 20, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at the Dickey Funeral Home, Garden City, Missouri with funeral services to follow. Burial will be in the Dayton Cemetery, Garden City, Missouri.
The family will receive friends Friday, April 20, 2018 from 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
The family suggest that memorial contributions may be made to Western Missouri Antique Tractor and Machinery Association.