Archie Dale Opie

Archie Dale Opie, age 88, of Jefferson City, Missouri, passed away on November 18, 2025. He was born on September 16, 1937, at home in rural Moniteau County near High Point, Missouri, to Archie Laymond Opie and Velma Rose (Hader) Opie.

Archie was married to Roberta June (Pyles) Wrinkle for 34 years and later to Beverly Jane (Menke) Opie for 30 years until her passing. He is survived by his children, Marla Dayle (Randy) Shifflett of Osceola, Iowa, and Raylon D. (Michelle) Opie of Clearwater, Florida; his stepchildren, James Douglas (Debbie) Callison of Haymarket, Virginia, Nancy Callison (Cletis) Sell of New Bloomfield, Missouri, and Deb Davis Sims of Pana, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his stepson, Joe Anthony Callison.

Archie is also survived by his siblings, Stanley Ray (Ursula) Opie of Vienna, Austria, and Dixie Rose Norfleet of Salem, Missouri. He leaves behind grandchildren Jessica (Kyle) Stark, Janna (Mark) Mixan, Parker and Blake Opie, as well as many step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family members, and friends.

Archie served in the U.S. Army and worked in dry cleaning before spending more than 30 years as a superintendent at the Missouri State Penitentiary in Jefferson City.

Outside of work, Archie was happiest outdoors or with a project in his hands. He loved hunting and fishing, reloading and shooting, and could fix just about anything he set his mind to. He was widely respected for his deep knowledge of firearms. A pilot and airplane owner, he treasured fly-ins and the camaraderie of fellow pilots.

He also loved stories—telling them, hearing them, passing them along. And if you were lucky enough to sit at his table, you were treated to the kind of hearty, down-home meal that came from both skill and generosity.

Above all, Archie was a man of faith. He prayed and read his Bible daily and found strength and purpose in his relationship with God.

Archie leaves behind a legacy of craftsmanship, curiosity, service, and steadfast love. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.