ORAN, Mo. -- Marty Priggel Jr., son of Martin Priggel Sr. and Janis Hennecke, was born Dec. 24, 1964 in Cape Girardeau and departed this life Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021, at his home in Oran at the age of 56 years.

While his family's hearts are broken, they find comfort in knowing that he is at peace and free from suffering.

Marty was a graduate of and proud supporter of Oran High School. After narrowly escaping high school with his degree, he somehow managed to obtain a bachelor's degree in agriculture engineering from Murray State University. From the time he could walk, he farmed. It was the only life and career path he could have imagined. After college, he became a partner with his dad in Priggel Farms, where his younger brothers eventually joined. In 2019, with his own sons by his side, he formed Legacy Farms.

On April 1, 1989, he was united in marriage to Cynthia "Cindy" Callow in Oran. She survives of the home.

Besides his loving and very patient wife of 32 years, survivors include his father and stepmother, Martin (Malinda) Priggel, and his mother and stepfather, Janis (Leon) Hennecke; two sons, Ty (Hannah) Priggel of Oran and Caleb (Courtney) Priggel of Kelso, Missouri; two brothers, Von (Michelle) and Eric (Traci) Priggel of Oran; sister, Jenny (Jeff) Shively of Benton, Missouri; two stepbrothers, Justin Glueck of Kansas City, Missouri, and Josh (Emily) Glueck of Gordonville; mother-in-law, Ella (Richard) Mitchem; brothers- and sisters-in-law, David (Theresa), Shane (Renee), Ladd (Monti) and Matt (Danielle) Callow and Kandy (Tim) Abner; as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephew and cousins. He is also survived by his greatest legacy and the true loves of his life, his grandchildren, Rylie, Saydi, Laynie, Ellee, Rydge and Reed Priggel.

He was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Gary Callow.

Being the oldest sibling as well as the first grandchild on both sides set Marty up as quite the role model. This was a job he took very seriously, often landing his siblings and cousins in trouble for trying to follow in his footsteps. From a very early age, he marched to his own beat and was always his own person. Marty never met a stranger, and he could be counted on in times of need and was the first person to humble you if that need arose. His favorite pastimes were anything that involved his grandkids, "playing" with dynamite and fact checking Father Kelly. His only regret in life was that Father Kelly was going to get the last word.

In 2019, shortly after his diagnosis, Marty formed SEMO CAN-cer Vive. He was overwhelmed by the love and support he had received and felt called to pay it forward. The organization has helped numerous people already, and Marty's hope was that it continue to grow and assist countless others during this most difficult diagnosis.

In lieu of flowers, of which he was never really a fan anyway, Marty requested donations to the foundation. Contributions may be mailed to SEMO CAN-cer Vive, c/o Joey Edelbeck, P.O. Box 117, Oran, MO 63771

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Oran Knights of Columbus Hall. Parish prayers will be at 7 p.m., followed by a Knights of Columbus service.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Guardian Angel Catholic Church in Oran with the Rev. Joseph Kelly officiating.

Pallbearers, including two honorary, are Terry Holmes, Danny Tetley, Pete Malone, David Black, Doug Gosche, Greg Walker, Brain Upton and Danny Schlosser.

Online condolences may be shared at www.amick-burnettfuneralchapels.com.