Erin Thomas Reimer, 57, Hermann, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, at Mercy Hospital in Washington, surrounded by the love of his children and brother.
He was born on Sept. 11, 1968, to the late Rev. Thomas and Wendy (Huntley) Reimer in St. Joseph.
Shortly after his birth, the family moved to Medaryville, Ind. where he lived until age five before settling in Bay.
It was there that Erin spent his youth, developing meaningful relationships and a lifelong love of sports. He attended Swiss Elementary, a two-grade classroom that suited his energetic spirit, then Hermann Middle School and Hermann High School from where he graduated in 1987. During high school, Erin proudly lettered in basketball, baseball and football – a preview of a lifetime spent loving the game. Following high school,he attended the University of Missouri studying business.
Erin’s greatest joy, however, was not found on a scoreboard but in his children and grandchildren. Nothing mattered more to him than being their dad and loving their children. No matter what he was doing, if one of his children came to talk, Erin stopped everything, because to him, they were everything. Erin made sure they knew they were heard, valued and deeply loved.
Sports were his language of love. He delighted in playing catch, throwing batting practice and teaching “The Rules” not just of the game, but of life. Erin taught his kids that you do your best, you want to win, but if you don’t, you never give up. That was the real victory. While he enjoyed playing sports himself after high school, nothing compared to cheering from the sidelines at his children’s practices and games. Erin loved the magic of sports, the idea that on any given day, you might witness something that had never happened before. He was proudly part of Chiefs Nation long before it became fashionable, cheering faithfully through every season.
Throughout his life, Erin held many jobs and wore many hats. As a young man, he cut grass and firewood. During college at the University of Missouri, he worked at Red Lobster. Over the years, Erin became the master mixer of spices for Oscar Mayer hotdogs, he sold watches, managed a shoe store (often joking he was Al Bundy), and sold cars. Eventually, Erin found his stride in maintenance, working at Drury Hotel, Lost Valley Resort and for the last six and a half years at the Hermann Area District Hospital. No matter the role, he took pride in doing the job by always finding the simplest, most efficient way to get it done.
Erin lived in Bay, Columbia, New Franklin, Boonesboro, Helds Island and Hermann, and no matter where he lived, he found people to put a smile on their face.
Erin was preceded in death by parents, Thomas and Wendy; and beloved grandson.
He is survived by daughters, Courtney Yount and husband Daniel of New Franklin, Nicole Tumna and husband Avinash of Ellisville and Rachel Baker of Columbia; sons, Jordan Reimer of Tipton and Mason Anderson of Rhineland; grandchildren, Abel, Axel, Makaelin, Bostyn, Bryson and one on the way; and brother, Chris Reimer and wife Shelly of Jefferson City.
In true Erin fashion, he will be “touting” his favorite team one last time. Family and friends are invited to wear their favorite team apparel in tribute, because life, like sports, brings both wins and losses. The real “Rule” Erin lived by was to put your time and money into what mattered and never stop showing up for your team.
Funeral services were held Friday, Feb. 20, at Toedtmann & Grosse Funeral Home in Hermann. Interment was in the St. Paul Cemetery in Bay.
Memorial contributions suggested to the St. Paul Cemetery Association, c/o Treasurer, Chris Reimer, 310 Gordon St. Jefferson City, MO 65101
Arrangements entrusted to Toedtmann & Grosse Funeral Home in Hermann.
Though the final buzzer has sounded, the love, lessons, laughter and loyalty he poured into his family and friends will echo far beyond the game.
