Hadsall, Omer Allen October 13, 1947 - February 8, 2025

Omer Hadsall was born in Weaubleau, Missouri, on October 13, 1947, to Glenn and Helen Hadsall. On February 8, 2025, he met the Lord and saw the face of Jesus. Omer grew up in Chalk Level, Missouri, where some of his fondest memories were made in the one-room schoolhouse. He took great pride in that little school, and the friendships he built there lasted a lifetime.

Omer had a unique love for school—so much so that he repeated the ninth grade multiple times. Eventually, with some encouragement from the local sheriff, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1965 at just 17 years old. It was a decision that would change the course of his life. After boot camp and infantry training, Omer was shipped off to Vietnam. During his service in Vietnam, Omer was severely injured after stepping on a Bouncing Betty mine. He was medically retired from the Marine Corps due to his injuries, but even in that hardship, God was at work. His recovery led him to Oak Knoll Naval Hospital, where he met the love of his life, Judie. At first, he didn’t leave the best impression, but as fate would have it, she would become his devoted wife of 57 years.

Following his military service, Omer worked for the U.S. Postal Service in San Jose, California until another injury led to his medical retirement. He and Judie eventually moved back to St. Clair County, Missouri, where Omer spent his days as a cattle hand, lending a strong hand and a good heart to farmers from Gerster all the way to Butler. Omer was also a pretty amazing baseball player; some of the best friendships he had were formed while playing on the Skyline Fast Pitch softball team.

Omer was an entrepreneur in his own way, running a gun shop and liquor store combo—because, as he saw it, those two things just went together. You could buy a bottle and a box of shells in one stop. Ol’ Om’s was more than a store; it was a gathering place for characters of all kinds. Some came to buy, some to chat, and a few just to linger. Omer had a way of keeping the good ones close—like Art Huffman, Wright Smith, and Cecil Polk, who came from out of state and became lifelong friends. When he wasn’t running the shop, Omer was out hunting turkeys—better than just about anyone in St. Clair County. Between the shop, the hunting, and the steady stream of stories, Omer made sure life was never dull.

Omer was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Helen Hadsall; his brothers Larry, Gary, and Gordon; and his sister Charlotte.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Judie—whom he affectionately called “Saint Jude”—and their sons, Troy (Casey) and Chris (Tracy), as well as his honorary son, Eric Collins, and Cassy Dean, whom he loved like a daughter. He was a proud grandfather to 11 grandchildren and a great-grandfather to five. His most loyal companion, his dog Jack, will miss him dearly. Omer also leaves behind his seven sisters: Gloria Wears, Gladys Settle, Colleen Vaughn, Donna Brock, Frances Keyes, Eva Hadsall, and Dee Hadsall, along with many, many nieces and nephews.

Omer lived an unpretentious life of resilience, adventure, and unwavering love for his family and friends. He was a Marine, a brother, a husband, a father, a grandfather, and a friend to many. His legacy will live on in the lives he touched and the stories shared by those who knew him best.

Semper Fi!

Omer’s Words of Wisdom

“It is what it is.”

“Get a life.”

“Keep jingle in your pocket.”

“Everybody wants to go to heaven but nobody wants to go now.”

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Kidd’s Chapel Cemetery or ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Omer’s honor, through Sheldon Funeral Home.