Omer Francis Gourneau

Omer Francis Gourneau, 83, of Liberty, MO, passed away January 10, 2024. A visitation will be held from 2:00-3:00pm, Saturday, February 17th with memorial services to follow at 3:00pm, all at Church-Archer-Pasley Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association.

Omer was born October 15, 1940 in Belcourt, North Dakota (Turtle Mountain Reservation) to Joseph P. Gourneau and Cecelia (Belgarde) Gourneau. He was also very close to his grandparents, William and Mary Belgarde. Omer graduated from Belcourt High School and moved to Lawrence, KS to attend Haskell Indian Nations University, where he learned welding. Omer met his future wife Rita in 1964 and they shared many loving years together, raising her two daughters, Roxanne and Robin. Rita sadly passed away in 1990.

Omer worked as a welder for Trailmobile, Libby Corporation, and Butler throughout his career. He loved spending time outdoors, gardening, fishing, and working on cars. He attended St. Patrick Catholic Church. Omer’s prize possession was his 1968 Chevelle SS. He was an excellent cook and loved sharing a meal with friends and family. Omer thoroughly embraced his wife’s Hispanic culture and loved their music and cuisine. He was also very proud of his Native American heritage.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Rita Gourneau; and his siblings, Ella McCloud, Viola Beyer, Rita Snider, Gloria Statham.

Omer is survived by his step-daughters, Roxanne Cunningham, and Robin Madrigal Blagg; his grandchildren, Lucas Cunningham (Sophia), Jyssica Willis, Dustin Adams, and Amy Adams; his great-grandchildren, Camella, Adriana, Natalie, Layla, Jack, and Kaylee; his siblings, Darlene Cook; as well as other relatives and friends.

Fond memories of Omer may be shared with the family at www.churcharcherpasley.com, as arrangements are under the direction of Church-Archer-Pasley Funeral Home, 816-781-2000.