My prayers are with his family.

My prayers are with his family.

You will be missed.

"go rest high on that mountain". I'm sure gonna miss you my dear friend of many years. Thanks for all the memories....

Allyson, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Praying for you and the family to find comfort during this time.

Jane, I am so sorry for your loss. Keeping you and your family in my prayers!

In memory of Jason Matthew Rhea, Vonda Yarberry lit a candle

Ms. Allyson, I am so very sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and his family for comfort, healing and peace. love ya... Kayla

Jason was a great friend employee and supervisor he’ll be missed.

Will miss our talks and laughs dear Jason.

Sweet Allyson, Just from Jason’s picture and the way you talked about him; I can see that he was a sweet, gentle soul. A good man. I’m so very sorry this happened.. my love and condolences to you and Jason’s families.

In memory of Jason Matthew Rhea, Carisma Wantland lit a candle

In memory of Jason Matthew Rhea, Melody A Syler lit a candle

Our thoughts and prayers go to Jason's family. We are very sorry, and want to let the family know how much we care.

Jason was such a kind persson. Prayers for all of his family.

To Jason’s family, It was with sadness that I learned of Jason’s death. I knew him through his work on campus. He was always a kind and extremely helpful man and quick with a smile. He will be missed. So terribly sorry for your loss.

Jesse, JoEllen, Jane, family and friends, We grieve with you at the loss of Jason. He was more than a good person, he reflected the love of Christ. He will live on through the many lives he touched. The peace of God be with you. David Stone and family.

Jason always has a smile when I would see him. He will be missed a person you could always count on

In memory of Jason Matthew Rhea, Frank Spinnato lit a candle

Jason was one of the kindest people I ever met. My husband, Steve Fisk, enjoyed working with him at Grounds for many years, and I always enjoyed visiting with him on campus. We will miss him. Much love to his family.

Jason was a good man. I will miss him.

We will all miss you Jason my prayers go out to your family an friends you were a great friend with such a big heart ❤️ Your an angel among us all now ??

In memory of Jason Matthew Rhea, Mari Ann Starks lit a candle

The world miss you.

In memory of Jason Matthew Rhea, Marianthe Karanikas lit a candle

In memory of Jason Matthew Rhea, Dana Kimmons lit a candle

My sister and I met Jason when we joined the MSU Grounds crew as students nearly 20 years ago. If the male groundskeepers were dubious at first, they soon came to see that she and I were ready to work hard, and they quickly welcomed us right in. As he did with nearly everyone he met, Jason became an immediate friend to us. As their relationship blossomed in coming years, I was so thankful that my sister had this wonderful man in her life, as well as mine. I delighted in being able to pop into the Grounds shop or talk with Jason around campus as I continued my education and professional work at MSU. Jason was a friend, a brother, and a truly invaluable male role model I could look up to and rely on; when that had been mostly absent in my life before. In all the years I was gifted of having him in my life, he was consistently one of the most reliable people I had. When I needed something, Jason would swiftly step forward. When I moved from Chicago it was Jason who flew up to drive the big U-haul. And when I worried this would upset his schedule or create frustration for him, he immediately assuaged my fears and said it was “fun to have a trip!” Taking him to one of my favored restaurants was little repayment, but he said it was a blast. Nothing fazed him, nothing got him worked up or mad at you, which was not the experience I’d had in my younger years. Time and time again, when I had some mechanical issue I was working on to fix myself or some gardening project, Jason was ALWAYS there calling to ask if I needed help. And when he did help me, all he wanted in return was to happily sit and play with my dog. He was a trusted confidant, advisor, and cheerleader whenever I needed it. I could fill a thousand pages with thousands more great memories, or stories of his willingness to assist. And I know undoubtedly that anyone reading this far is likely shaking their head in agreement because they too have a thousand similar stories of their own. He knew everyone—when we went anywhere together, Jason saw someone he knew. And there were many more instances where I would come upon him halfway through a conversation he was having with a person and THINK he knew them, but it was actually just a stranger he’d struck up a conversation with—because Jason made friends with everyone. He was one of the most kind, generous people—generous in his spirit, his time, his compassion, and more. While he was battling in the hospital I told my sister to consider, as I did, that Jason’s mental fortitude was almost like an additional medication in his I.V. aiding his fight. Words cannot begin to encompass all the exceedingly amazing traits he possessed or express the monumental feelings of grief in losing him. He was irreplaceable to me in every way, and I’m devastated knowing no future get-together, excursion, or holiday celebration will EVER be the same without him. He made everything—tiny things or trying times—better, brighter, and more fun. He made me feel that any obstacle could be overcome and things would be ok. I am SO angry this virus cut short his time here, robbed him of the passions he enjoyed, and further robbed those of us that love him of the true joy he brought. But I am so, SO thankful and honored that I had any time at all to consider him as family. I’m so thankful I had opportunities to help him in small ways through the years, or even have the gift of memories in seeing him laughing as he played with my dog, or a grin from sharing summer vegetables with him. I am SO grateful to his sweet, loving parents and sister for helping shape him into the remarkably kind man he was, and for sharing him with my sister (foremost) and I for so many years. People might say they believe he’s now looking down over us and probably tending the flowers and grounds beyond, but for me, many times Jason was about as close to what I could imagine of an angel walking here on earth.

I will miss seeing you when I come by work. You were a great grounds foreman while I was working at MSU with you. You will be greatly missed...

I picture Jason on the tractor, pushing snow until the job is done. He was always committed to the task, the department, and the University. Merely sighting Jason on the campus grounds gave me the feeling things were in good hands. He was a compassionate man with great insight. His big grin was priceless.

Allyson, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

In memory of Jason Matthew Rhea, Mark Glenn lit a candle

Prayers and love to our sweet Allyson. We offer our condolences to all of Jason's family and loved ones. May precious memories comfort you during a very difficult time.

The only way I knew Jason was through his best friend & co-worker, Leslie Henry. I moved from Springfield in 1985 to Orange Beach, AL where I still reside. I returned to Springfield once or twice a year to visit family. The last few times I was there, Les provided me a place to stay. The first Saturday morning of each stay, even before I began staying with Les, I always looked forward to breakfast at the Cedars with Les & Jason, where Jason bought our breakfast several times. Other than that we did not have much in common except that I too was graduated from Missouri State when in my 40's(1978) after attending night school while employed full time, which I assume from reading his obituary is what Jason did. My condolences to his family & friends for this unexpected tragedy due to this horrible pandemic.

Rest in peace my friend. Your smile will be missed by so many at MSU.

May you find comfort in the words of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

May you find comfort and peace at a time of such great loss.

May you find comfort and peace at a time of such great loss.

May you find comfort and peace at a time of such great loss.

May you find comfort and peace at a time of such great loss.

May you find comfort and peace at a time of such great loss.

In memory of Jason Matthew Rhea, Shawn Mccomb lit a candle

In memory of Jason Matthew Rhea, Tracie (Hammer) Schaffer lit a candle

In memory of Jason Matthew Rhea, Denise Fly-Brown lit a candle

Prayers for peace for your family.

Allyson you are in my thoughts. I am very sorry for what you are going through right now. If you need anything please contact one of us. Prayers to the rest of the family.

Jessie Ray we are so sorry to hear about Jason. What a special young man he was and was so handsome. You and your family are in our prayers.

Sending thoughts and love to you all during this time

My dear Allyson, I know that Jason had a much better life because you, as his true love, were the most important part of it. My deepest sympathies to you, and continued prayers for you and his family.

My sincere condolences to the family.

May Jason's family, friends, and co-workers always remember Jason's love of life, the joy of feeling the wind on his face, the first flowers blooming in the spring, He always had a smile for everyone. He could find peace in the falling snow. He told me a big rain always cleared out a lot of woes and worries. He was a kind, but fair man. If you were wrong, made a bad move, or just did something stupid, he'd pull you aside and remind you to rethink things. An apology went a long way. I know you are bereft today. Tomorrow may not be too much better. But you all have the benefit of having him in your lives. He was a step-above most, but never better than any. He always tried to bring everyone up to their best. He always enjoyed fishing. Sometimes just sitting in the boat, riding the waves as the earth moved around him and woke up to a new day. His special peace and 'aweness' of God's creations. Keep your memories alive. Keep his love near to your heart. Look forward to seeing him again. I know he'll be there waiting for each of you with his arms open wide and a smile on his face.

Words are hard right now. I am reminded of Jason’s light - he covered it with his masculine shield but it still shines - I worked with Jason and will miss that grin, the raised eyebrow and twinkle in his eye. He was passionate in everything he did and truly cared about MSU and the university community. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones.

In memory of Jason Matthew Rhea, Linda Totten lit a candle

Sending prayers to your family.

Sleep well my brother.

In memory of Jason Matthew Rhea, Jeff, Twila Chambers n family lit a candle

You will be missed my friend. All I've ever had were good memories. RIP mi amigo...

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.