In Remembrance Of
Alva Elmer “Sonny” Sallee, Jr.
Alva Elmer Sallee, Jr., better known as ‘Sonny’ passed away at the age of 71 in Dearborn, MO.
He was born on April 18, 1951 to Alva Elmer Sr. and Ruth Ida Sallee in Kansas City. After graduating from North Platte High School in 1969, Sonny enlisted and served as a Gunner’s Mate for four years of active duty in the Navy during the Vietnam War. This was an immense source of pride for Sonny for the duration of his life.
Upon his discharge from active duty, Sonny attended Missouri Western State College where he achieved his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. He married Mary Burke Sallee on August 10, 1979 and they later had two daughters together, Erin and Stephanie.
Sonny was known for many things, including his love of his family, his sense of humor and his unwavering work-ethic. His time in the Navy inspired a love of adventurous travel that he shared with his family on trips around the country and abroad.
A jack-of-all-trades, he never saw a problem he couldn’t fix, could always find the overlooked value in objects, and loved sharing his knowledge and experience.
Sonny liked to show care for loved ones by preparing generous portions of uniquely crafted dishes. He took great joy in his land and spent endless happy hours exploring, hunting and fishing, and gardening on it. He also took pride in the series of chocolate labs that were his constant loyal companions.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Sallee, his two children, Erin (Michael Moran) and Stephanie (Desmond Mallonee), two grandchildren, Finnegan and Brienne Moran and his brother David J. Trimmer (Paula Trimmer).
Sonny’s celebration of life will be June 25th at 12665 NW 126th Court, Platte City, Mo. from 2:00pm-5:00pm.
Donations may be made to Friends of Parkville Animal Shelter (FOPAS) PO Box 29121 Parkville, MO 64152 or Cameron Veterans Home c/o Barbara Caldwell 1111 Euclid Ave Cameron, MO 64429
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13 comments
Catherine Martin
Our most sincere sympathy to you and your family. Sending our love and warmest hugs.
Cathy and Bob Martin
mike sallee
A love of traditional bows, labs, and the outdoors are what I inherited from Sonny. As down to earth person as I ever met. In many ways my life was set by the time spent with Sonny at uncle Elmer’s farm. My best to all the family and friends of Sonny. He was truly one of the good guys.
Dennis Thomason
So sorry to hear about Sonny. My Condolences and Prayers to the Family.
R.I.P Sonny
Mary Killgore Tyrrell
I am so sorry to hear about Sonny’s passing. I will always remember his smile and joy he showed in doing all things. After not seeing him for many years after high school, it was easy to re-identify him once he started laughing and telling stories of the “good old days”. With sympathy to you and your family.
Mary
Kathy Breuer James
Very sorry to hear of the passing of a member of my graduating class. Sonny and I were good friends during high school creating lots of great memories. My condolences to his wife, children and grandchildren.
Jim and Jeanne Burke
Sonny will be missed by all of us.
Joyce Ryan
Mary. I hope you soon find comfort in your sorrow.
Ed and Jody Manchion
Mary, so sorry to hear of Sonny’s death. You and the girls are in our prayers.
Ed and Jody
Cindy Hubbard
I worked at KCL for years. Everytime Sonny came in he had something to say. I can just remember seeing his smiling face! He was a wonderful person. So very sorry for your loss. Cindy
Catherine Martin
Dear Mary and family……There are no words to fully express the sadness we feel for the loss that you are facing. Please know that we will continue to be with you in our hearts as you grieve and send hugs of support and caring.
Mike Anderson
A great friend Always.
George Robert Rice
I cannot believe after twenty years of friendship I didn’t know his real name. Sonny had a way of making his presence felt and there was no doubt when he was in the room. You will be truly missed as will your stories of dering do and your ongoing battle with rattlesnakes. My heart goes out to you Mary and the girls and your hearts should be filled with pride for Sonny’s service and love for his country.
Tom Hon
So sorry to hear of his passing. I’m so glad we met each other through youth soccer. We watched our kids grow up together making goals and fishing in your pond. RIP my friend.