Colonel Michael Dale “Mike” Egbert (MOARNG, ret.), age 84, of Jefferson City, Mo. passed away peacefully Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital.
He was born on February 1, 1941, in Calhoun, Mo., the only child of the late Delmer and Wilmalene (Pinkston) Egbert, Jr. He was united in marriage to Charlene Land on April 22, 1961, in Calhoun and the two shared nearly 64 beautiful years together.
Growing up in Calhoun was a memorable time for Mike. He was a 1959 graduate of Calhoun High School where he was very active and involved in organizations, serving as his class Vice President. He was excellent in basketball and baseball. He was also very active in the Calhoun Christian Church where he was baptized and served in many roles including delivering sermons as a teen for youth group events.
Following high school, Colonel Egbert initially joined the Missouri National Guard as an enlisted member in 1960 serving as an SGT Tank Commander and would retire as a full Colonel after 34 years of service to the MOARNG. His career represents the diligence and dedication he has shown in his service to the Missouri National Guard. Through his military service, Mike gained his bachelor’s degree from Columbia College; he was in the second graduating class of the Missouri Officer Candidate School; the Academy of Health Sciences School, Fort Houston, Texas; and, the Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He created a strong foundation for leadership and career growth. He achieved many career highs and a list of awards including the Legion of Merit, Army Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Missouri Long Service Ribbon, State Emergency Duty Ribbon, and received the first Outstanding Achievement Award from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch in 1962 as a corporal.
Col. Egbert exemplified exceptional leadership, earning the respect and admiration of those around him. His unwavering integrity, selflessness, and ability to inspire others propelled him through the ranks, making him both a mentor and a role model to countless individuals. He was chosen to be the Executive Director for the Missouri National Guard Association in 1975, where he played a pivotal role in advocating for service members and their families. As a registered lobbyist, he worked tirelessly to ensure the voices of those in uniform were heard at both the state and national levels. His dedication and faithful service to his country left a lasting impact, shaping the lives of those he led and defended.
He was a devoted family man who fully supported his children and grandchildren. He shared life lessons and offered guidance, always encouraging them to strive to do their best in everything. He demonstrated his commitment and unwavering support by always attending school activities, sporting events, and helping them in any way possible.
Mike enjoyed fishing at Bennett Springs and Branson. He loved attending annual family reunions and looked forward to catching up with all. He also enjoyed researching family history. Mike treasured every moment spent with his father, a WWII veteran, at the Warrensburg Veterans Home. He and his father shared a deep bond, strengthened by their mutual experience in military service. Their time together at the Veterans Home was filled with meaningful conversations, laughter, and moments of reflection, creating cherished memories that Mike held close to his heart.
He is survived by his loving wife, Charlene; three children, Vicki Fry (Harold) of California, Mo., James “Jim” Egbert (Debbie) of Warrenton, Mo., and Brian Egbert (Sherri) of Sedalia, Mo.; nine grandchildren, Amie Kimball (Spencer), Zack Fry, Mike Fry, Casey Sorensen (Will), Rio Amick , Dallas Egbert, Michaela Taylor-Bey (Robert), Caleb Egbert, Corbin Rowland (Maddie); and four great-grandchildren with one on the way.
Visitation will be held at Freeman Mortuary from 10:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 29, 2025.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 29, 2025, in the Freeman Chapel with the Reverend Mike Quinn officiating. Graveside services and entombment with military honors will follow at the Mausoleum of Riverview Cemetery.
A webcast of his service will begin at 11:30 a.m. Saturday for friends that are not able to attend by viewing from this memorial page by selecting “Watch Now” below the obituary information.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri, 2101 Vandiver Drive, Columbia, Mo. 65202 or Habitat for Humanity, 1420 Creek Trail Drive, Jefferson City, Mo. 65109.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary.
www.freemanmortuary.com
