Marjorie (Marge) Luella Gleason, 82, of Kirksville, MO peacefully passed away Monday, March 26, 2012 at Boone Hospital in Columbia, MO.

She was born February 28, 1930 in Putnam County, near Worthington, MO, the daughter of Albert W. and Opal L. (Hartford) Reed. On September 23, 1950, in Kirksville, MO she married Earl Hart Gleason.

Marjorie was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Mrs. Eugene (Leana) Staudinger; and a brother, Marvin W. Reed.

She is survived by her husband Earl; one son, Cole Douglas Gleason and wife Leann of Kirksville; one grandson, Grant Caleb Hart Gleason and wife Echo of Grand Forks AFB, ND; one step grandson, Shane Sneddon and wife Shauna of Longmont, CO; three step granddaughter’s, Kadi Findling of Rexburg, ID, Megan McClanahan of Warrensburg, MO and Molly McClanahan of Kirksville, MO; one great-granddaughter Sterling Hart Gleason; and step great grandchildren Dorian, Lexi, Slade, and Joel Sneddon. She is also survived by one sister, Almeta Como of Pauling, NY; two sisters-in-law Janet Reed of Kirksville, MO and Roberta Gleason of Poplar Bluff, MO; several nieces and nephews.

Marjorie attended 1st-8th grade at the public school in Worthington, MO; Argentine High School in KC, KS during 9th grade; and graduated from Kirksville Senior High in 1947. Following graduation she was employed two years at the International Shoe Co., then twelve years at Southwestern Bell Telephone Company in Kirksville. In 1963, Marjorie began Northeast Missouri State University receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in elementary education in 1967 and her Master’s Degree in Special Education in 1968. She taught Special Education for the 4th thru 6th grades; one year at Willard School, one year at the Kirksville R-3 School Board Building (old high school), and eight years and three months at Upper Elementary (Ray Miller) School in Kirksville.

In 1978, Marjorie left the teaching profession to work in the office of Gleason Automotive Warehouse Distributors, Inc. (Gleason Auto Parts”, which Earl and she had founded, owned, and operated since 1973, with their son, Cole.

Marjorie was a 51 year member of First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ of Kirksville, where she served as substitute Sunday School teacher in Berean & Friends Class, as Elder and was active in Christian Women’s Fellowship.

Marge enjoyed club activities and over the years was a member of several organizations which were civic, social and school-related. She served in various leadership capacities during her membership’s.

Marge and her husband, Earl, lived in Kirksville, MO their entire married life. Their most enjoyable recreation included gardening, golf, traveling, being with family and friends and being companions to their dogs. Marjorie was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and most of all a friend. She will be remembered for her great capacity to love and care for many.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, March 29, 2012 at the First Christian Church with the Reverend Steve McDuff, John Dungan, and Janice Legg officiating. Music will be provided by Robby Gleason singing, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” and “How Great Thou Art”, accompanied by Dawn Howd, pianist. Interment will be in the Maple Hills Cemetery, Kirksville, MO.

Pallbearers will be Grant Gleason, Shane Sneddon, Larry Reed, David Reed, James Gleason, and Robby Gleason.

Visitation will be Wednesday, March 28, 2012, with the family receiving friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Travis-Noe Funeral Home.

Those who wish to express their sympathy in the form of a contribution may do so to the First Christian Church Disciples of Christ. Contributions may be left at or sent to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.