Lloyd Lee Medearis

Lloyd Lee Medearis, 85, passed away from pancreatic cancer Sept. 2, 2025. He was born in Filley, MO Aug. 8, 1940. He went to El Dorado Springs elementary school and graduated from Nevada High School in 1959. He was proud to serve four year in the United States Air Force and Classified Security Service for 18 months in the Philippines. He attended Southwest Missouri State (MSU now) in Springfield and the U of A in Tucson, AZ, to study history and geology. After a two year engagement, on March 12, 1965, he married Betsey McDermott, who was attending Drury College and Burge School of Nursing in Springfield. They had been neighbors since 1958.

Lloyd and Betsey moved to Arizona in 1967 where he had a successful career as Postmaster of Sonoita and Sahuarita and many “fun” jobs after retiring. He loved traveling, cruising to Alaska, Hawaii and the Mexican Riviera and his bucket list item, visiting civil war battlefields. Brother in law, Gilbert Willson, was a good chauffeur through those eastern states. They also enjoyed a seven day rafting trip through the Grand Canyon and other road trips over the years and many trips to Branson, MO

Lloyd was known for his love of cars. Their first new car was a 1965 Mustang, silver smoke gray with a red interior.

He was very artistic and in high school, impressed his art teacher, Mrs. Fraser. He volunteered at his church of 34 years, United Methodist Church of Green Valley, AZ. He also volunteered at Friends in Deed, a nonprofit service organization, at the weekly Social and the B/P /Clinic. A highlight in 2023 was the Honor Flight trip to Washington, DC, accompanied by his son, Michael.

He loved 50s and 60s and old time country music. Everyone knew his favorite artist was George Jones.

Lloyd was an honest, “genuine” person who loved his family and big holiday celebrations, ofter seen at the head of the table blowing out candles with grandson, Brice, the “Apple of his eye.”

His bride, Betsey, of 60 years marriage survives as well as his two children, Kassandra Linhart (Brian) Vail, AZ; Michael Medearis, Tucson; grandchildren: Nicole Chadbourne (James), San Antonio, TX; Ryan Brady, Sahuarits, AZ; Brice Medearis, Tucson, AZ; and great-granddaughter, Chloe Chadbourne, San Antonio, TX. He also leaves a brother, Bill Medearis, Sahuarita, sister, Joan Spicer, Nevada, MO a special cousin, Ann Tempel of Sahuarita and many nieces, nephews, cousins and close in-laws in Missouri and Wisconsin, as well as countless friend.

His ashes will be interred at Mound Cemetery, Filley, MO at a later date. Keeping in the spirit of Lloyd’s love of celebrations, instead of a funeral, their will be a “Joyous” Celebration of Life on Nov. 8, a the United Methodist Church of Green Valley at 2 p.m. Everyone is invited to share memories, listen to Lloyd’s favorite songs and enjoy some of his favorite “comfort foods.”

Memorial donations may be made in Lloyd’s memory to the United Methodist Church of Green Valley, AZ , 85614, Friends in Deed, 301, 301 Camino Casa Verde, Green Valley, AZ, or a charity of your choice.