Jonas Rea Jr

Jonas Daniel Rea, Jr. of Independence, Missouri, formerly of Wichita, KS, born to Leona Cox Downing and Jonas Daniel Rea on November 15, 1931 died in his sleep on Wednesday November 23, 2011. His final residence was in Antioch, California. Preceding him in death was Norma Jean Rea, his wife of 54 years.
Jonas Rea achieved many honors and accomplishments. Beginning in childhood, he received his Sea Scout badge from the Boy Scouts of America. At that time, the award was the highest in rank just one degree over an Eagle Scout. After graduating from Northeast High School in Independence, he joined the Air Force and served in New Mexico. He married Norma Jean Gore in December 1951. He joined the Vendo Co. in 1960 and worked his way from manufacturing vending machines to retiring as Vice President of Marketing. The Vendo Company moved him and his family throughout the country, ending his career at the company headquarters in Fresno, California where he retired in 1998. He had many interests including being an avid golfer, woodworker, boxer, coach and #1 cheerleader of many family sports interests. In everything he did he strove for perfection and expertise.
He is survived by step-mother Marie Rea of Wichita, Kansas; eldest daughter Sheree Rea Hunt and granddaughter Holly Rea Hunt of Lubbock, Texas; daughter Shannon Rea Heard and grandsons Jonas Ryan Heard and Loren Whitfield (Fielder) Heard of Savannah, Georgia; and son Greg Rea and daughter-in-law Beverly Rea of Antioch, California.
Please join us at Carson-Speaks Chapel, 1501 W. Lexington Ave., Independence Missouri, 64052 on December 9, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. to celebrate the life of Jonas Daniel Rea, Jr.; followed by burial at Floral Hills Cemetery, 7000 Blue Ridge Boulevard, Kansas City (Raytown). In lieu of flowers please consider contributing to the American Heart Association or a cancer foundation of your choice.