Syd Douglas Massey

Syd Douglas Massey, 84, of Odessa, Missouri formerly of Ellijay, Georgia from 1977 to 1986, passed away Thursday, March 14, 2024, at Saint Luke’s Medical Plaza III in Kansas City, Missouri. 

Rosary will be recited at 9:30 a.m., Thursday, March 21, 2024, at St. George Catholic Church, 714 S. 3^rd St., Odessa, MO, 64076.  Visitation will follow from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Thursday, March 21, 2024, at St. George Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, March 21, 2024, at St. George Catholic Church, 714 S. 3^rd St., Odessa, MO, 64076.  Rite of Committal with military honors will be at Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville, Missouri.  Memorials are suggested to St. George Catholic Church.  Memories of Syd and condolences for his family may be left at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com or on our Facebook Page.  

Syd was born April 17, 1939, in Porter, Texas to Roy Hugh and Ollie (Neuman) Massey. Syd attended Healdsburg High School in California. Syd was united in marriage on August 26, 1961, to Jeane B. (Barnes) Massey in Morehead City, North Carolina. She preceded him in death on May 31, 2020. Syd proudly served and retired as a Master Sergeant from the United State Marine Corps from 1955 to 1977 as a metal frame mechanic. Syd served two tours at Paris Island as a drill instructor. He also served two tours in Vietnam, as well as countless deployments. After serving, Syd received his bachelor’s degree from Clemson University, and pursued a teaching career as a welding instructor at the Technical College of the Lowcounty. He was an active member of St. George Catholic Church. Along with spending time with family and friends, Syd enjoyed wood working, hunting, target shooting, and traveling with his wife.

Syd is survived by two children, Jeff (Jean) Massey of Wildomar, CA, and Joan (Jeff) Hopkins of Odessa, MO; six Grandchildren, Christina (Lindon) Lester, Jennifer (Blake) Heidrich, Stephanie (Douglas) Turnwall, Cody (Amy) Hopkins, Travis (Kayla) Hopkins and Caleb Hopkins; eight Great Grandchildren, Riley Massey, Luke Lester, Caydon Heidrich, Maria Applegate, Bill and Joe Stricklin, Jasper Lunceford, and Jazlyn Hopkins; one sister, Carol Tubbs of Magnolia, TX; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. 

Along with both his parents and wife, Syd was preceded in death by a daughter, Kelley Leigh Massey, and two sisters, Dorothy Rainey and Janett Massey Evans.