Major Army Obituary

Bobby Lee McElvaney was born July 14, 1939 in Orangeburg, South Carolina, to his parents, Levy and Alavan Kinsey McElvaney. He passed away Wednesday, September 10, 2025 in his home in Lebanon, Missouri. Bobby was eighty-six years, one month and twenty-seven days of age. Bobby was raised in Orangeburg, South Carolina and graduated from high school there. Following graduation, he joined the United States Army where he proudly and faithfully served for twenty years. While stationed at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri, he met the love of his life, Ruth Marie "Ree" Harrill. They were married July 23, 1960 and shared the ups and downs of married life for some fifty-nine years. Ree passed away January 25, 2020. While in the Army, Bobby served in Korea and Germany, as well as several locations stateside. Upon returning to the states, he went to Officer Candidate School (OCS) and served two tours in Vietnam, then retired as a Major. He was awarded many medals of honor throughout his career, including the Purple Heart. Following his time with the Army, Bobby began a career as a teacher at Stoutland Public Schools, followed by Lebanon Public Schools. He taught computer studies. He began pastoring and served at Brownfield Baptist Church and was an interim at several other Baptist churches in the area. Bobby had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed being with people. He loved bar-b-que, both Carolina and Midwest varieties. He and Ree also enjoyed traveling and being together. Bobby's life was centered around supporting friends, family, neighbors and his church. In addition to his loving wife, Ree, Bobby is preceded in death by his parents, Levy and Alavan McElvaney; his son, Randy McElvaney in 1993; his brothers, Ernest, Clifton and Tommy McElvaney; a sister, Mae; his son-in-law Don Ogle, Jr.; Ree's parents, Bill and Clara Harrill, who thought of Bobby as a son. He is survived by his daughter, Cindy Ogle Payne, and her husband Brian, of Lebanon, Missouri; five grandchildren, Ashley Sicard and her husband, Chad, Josh Ogle and his wife, Ashley, Lindsay Lafferty and her husband Shane, Levi McElvaney, and his wife, Brooke, and Andrew McElvaney, and his wife, Marissa; ten great-grandchildren, Britney, Keeley and Mason Sicard, Evan, Brayli, and Addison Ogle, Kadence and Karsyn McElvaney, Will Lafferty, and Amelia McElvaney; two great-great-grandchildren, Legend and Layla; a number of nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends. Bobby loved and cherished his family. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, and brother. He was a caring and trusted neighbor and friend. Bobby was a good, honorable man who loved and trusted God. His passing is sad for his family and friends, but we rejoice in his homecoming where he is with his Savior, his parents, his wife Ree, his son Randy, and other family members. We celebrate his life and know his family will keep the wonderful memories they have with Bobby close to their hearts for years to come. Service for Bobby McElvaney will be Monday, September 15, 2025 at 11 a.m. at Holman-Howe Funeral Home. Visitation will be Monday, September 15 from 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Antioch Cemetery with full military honors. A memorial has been established to Friends of the Fort and donations may be left at the funeral home.