Edmund Albert Torbeck, Jr., 83, Montgomery City, MO

Edmund Albert Torbeck, Jr., 83, Montgomery City, MO passed away on Friday, March 27, at the VA Hospital in Columbia, Missouri.

He was born on Jan. 17, 1943, in Vandalia, the son of Edmund Albert Torbeck, Sr. and Cora Ida (Rebbe) Torbeck. He was united in marriage to Dorothy Irene Schroeder on Aug. 13, 1977.

A 1961 graduate of Vandalia Community High School, Ed proudly served his country in the United States Army, entering service on Dec. 31, 1964. While serving in Vietnam with the First Cavalry Airborne Division, he attained the rank of Sergeant. Once stateside, Ed finished his Army career with the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions.  He was honorably discharged on Dec. 16, 1967. He continued his dedication to fellow veterans as a member of the Wellsville VFW, where he served on the military honors gun salute team until his health no longer permitted.

Following his military service, Ed worked for many years as a supervisor at Purina in Vandalia,  then later transferring to Montgomery City, MO. He also pursued further education, attending Kaskaskia Community College and taking classes at Eastern Illinois University.

Ed was a man of many passions and talents. He was an avid outdoorsman who especially loved bird hunting and working with trained hunting dogs. Trap shooting was one of his greatest passions, second only to his love for his wife. He built his own trap shooting range and generously shared it with local school agriculture FFA members, helping introduce many young people to the sport.

Ed and Dorothy owned and operated an archery shop and later founded the Arrow Benders Archery Club, further sharing their love of the outdoors with the community. Ed also had a deep appreciation for hot rods and cars and enjoyed watching NASCAR races every weekend. If Ed knew you well enough, he would share his poetry written mostly about his Military experiences.

A true craftsman at heart, Ed loved to tinker. He restored old bicycles, cared meticulously for his yard, and was always reloading shells for trap shooting. His adventurous spirit also led him to skydiving, and freefall jumps. Prior to his Army discharge he had completed freefall jumps with the 82nd Airborne and had also jumped with the Army Golden Knights.

Ed will be remembered for his service to his country, his dedication to his community, and his willingness to share his passions and knowledge with others. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched through his generosity, mentorship, and love of the outdoors.

Ed is survived by his loving wife, Dorothy, of Montgomery City, MO; stepchildren: John Myhren of Montgomery City, MO, Jim (Janie Gotcher) Myhren of New Florence, MO; daughter-in-law, Jackie Myhren of Montgomery City, MO; grandchildren: Jeremy (Christi) Myhren of Rockford, Ill., Jacqueline (David) Beckford of Columbia, MO, Justin Myhren of Hermann, MO, Nicolas (Ericka) Myhren of Mexico, MO, Rebecca Myhren of Jonesburg, MO; great-grandchildren: Bristol Myhren, Lily Myhren, Noah Beckford, Eli Beckford, Elaina Myhren; siblings: Don (Karen) Torbeck, Linda Hanabarger, Kenny (Diane) Torbeck, Jane Naab; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edmund and Cora, stepson Jeff Myhren, sister Sandra Adkison and nephew David Sampson.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 11, at Schlanker Funeral Home in Montgomery City, MO, with Father Ernest Dike officiating.

A Visitation will be held on Saturday from 11 a.m. until the time of the service, at the funeral home. Memorial Contributions are suggested to the Wellsville VFW, c/o Schlanker Funeral Home, 207 Danville Road, Montgomery City, MO 63361