Edgar Charles Rasa, 89, of Lexington, MO went to his Heavenly home on October 25, 2025. The son of the late Robert and Laura (Wagner) Rasa, Sr., Edgar was born on January 7, 1936, at the home place in Lexington, Missouri. Edgar attended grade school at Garr School and later at Dover School. After both schools closed, he completed his senior year at Lexington High School in 1953. Edgar joined the United States Army Reserves, where he was trained as a mechanic, serving for six years. Baptized on March 12, 1936, and confirmed on April 10, 1949, Edgar was an active lifetime parishioner of Immanuel Lutheran Church, serving as an usher for decades.
Edgar was united in marriage to Ruby (Mays) Rasa on April 18, 1969, affectionately referring to his wife of 56 years as “the best thing to ever come out of Arkansas.” Most of their adventures revolved around raising three daughters, farming, and in-season tractor rides to set ladders and guide apple orchard picking, although Edgar occasionally knew how to find adventure away from the orchard, too.
In his early seventies, during a trip to visit family, Edgar made a last-minute decision to stop at Six Flags with one goal in mind, to challenge his wife to ride on the Screamin’ Eagle roller coaster. The greater challenge, however, turned out to be seeing who could continue driving after the tumultuous ride. Not giving Ruby a choice, Edgar took his position in the passenger seat.
Edgar was a third-generation co-owner of Rasa Orchards & Farms, which he operated alongside his brothers, Norman and Robert, and their wives. A devoted partner in the family business, Edgar often reflected, “It’s not work if you love what you do.” He applied his talents and skills to agriculture, finding both joy and purpose in his lifelong commitment to the orchard and farm. Guided by his Christian principles and a strong work ethic, Edgar cherished time with his family and took great pride in the daily tasks of farm life, especially pruning the orchard, a task he lovingly tended to for more than 70 years.
Those who remain to remember his love forever include his wife, Ruby, of the home. Three daughters, Patricia (Dannie) Heugel Jr. of Higginsville, MO; Kimberly (Brent) Thompson of Dover, MO; Beth (Jason) Edwards of Corder, MO. Seven grandchildren who all love the outdoors as much as Grandpa: Jessica (Alex) Urfer, Matthew (Madison) Heugel, Dustin Thompson, Kelsey Thompson, Gavin Edwards, Trevor Edwards, and Davis Edwards, and great-grandchildren Walker Urfer and Stella Heugel. He is survived by his brothers Robert (Bernice) Rasa, Jr., Donald (Barbara) Rasa, and Norman (Susan) Rasa; and by his nephew David (Christy) Rasa, with whom he farmed alongside for more than thirty years. He is also survived by many dearly loved nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents and by his sister, Carol Wiles, and brother-in-law, Bill Wiles; nephew, Kenny Rasa; great-nephew, Garrett Rasa; and great-niece, Nicole Hollingsworth.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Wednesday, October 29th, 2025, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1501 Lipper St. Higginsville, Missouri. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, October 30th, 2025, at Immanuel Lutheran Church with Pastor Marcus Jauss officiating. Burial will follow the funeral service in the City Cemetery, Higginsville, MO. Casket bearers include Matthew Heugel, Dustin Thompson, David Rasa, Scott Rasa, Alex Urfer, Travis Mays, along with honorary casket bearers, Gavin Edwards, Trevor Edwards, and Davis Edwards. The family suggests memorials be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to Stewart-Hoefer Funeral Home and online condolences may be made to the family at www.stewarthoeferfuneralhome.com
Source: KMZU, The Farm
