Lindbergh "Junior" Oxner Jr

Lindbergh “Junior” Oxner Jr., of Rolla, Missouri, passed away on November 27th, 2025, at 11:02 a.m. at the age of 67, surrounded by family who loved him beyond measure.

Junior was born on October 1st, 1958, in Munich, Germany, where his father, Lindbergh Oxner, was proudly serving in the United States Army. As a young boy, Junior came to America with his family, beginning a life shaped by resilience, loyalty, and a strong work ethic that stayed with him all his life.

Junior worked for the City of Rolla for more than 20 years, becoming known as a hardworking and reliable man who always took pride in doing the job right. He didn’t seek praise or recognition—he simply believed in showing up, putting in the work, and taking care of the people he loved.

Junior fought a long, difficult battle with cancer, and he fought with everything he had. There were many moments when, medically, he should have been gone long before now, but his strength, determination, and love for his family kept him going. Even in unbearable pain, he pushed forward, holding on just to give his family more time with him. His courage was extraordinary, and his family will forever honor the strength he showed through every day of that fight.

One of the greatest blessings in Junior’s life was Shirley Oxner. Although they married on August 25th, 1993, their story began long before that. Junior and Shirley had known each other since childhood, and they shared a relationship in their younger years before life took them down different paths. When life brought them back together, they rekindled a love that had never faded. Their love was always strong and grew stronger each day. From that moment on, they built a home filled with devotion, laughter, and a bond that deepened with every passing year.

Junior is survived by his wife, Shirley Oxner, of the home; and his children: Kristal Light, Karena Hansel (Travis Hansel), Bryan Oxner (Audrey Oxner), and Jeremy Light, all of Rolla, Missouri. He is also survived by his sister Sandy Oxner and his brother Jerry Oxner, both of Rolla, Missouri.

He was a proud grandfather to: Shelbi Oxner, Ashanti Lillie (Izzy Talluto), Shaylea Hansel, Alex Oxner (Shelby Oxner), Collin Oxner, Joe Oxner, Shianne Zeno, Karli Oxner, Tori Price (Shane Baze), John Price, Ramona Giddens (Cox), Ryanne Giddens, and Sophie Oxner.

He was blessed with great-grandchildren who brought him incredible joy: Aurora “Rory” Kline, Lenny Talluto, Legend Talluto, and Octavia Kline, who was born and passed on October 12th, 2019, and will always hold a special place in the family’s heart.

Junior was also extremely excited to meet his upcoming great-grandchildren, Lainey Oxner and Atticus Baze, who were unborn at the time of his passing. He talked about them often and already loved them deeply.

Junior was preceded in death by his parents, Lindbergh Oxner and Mary Oxner; his brother, Gene Oxner; his sisters, Brenda Arlt and Jesse Oxner (Johnson); and his great-granddaughter Octavia Kline.

Although he didn’t attend church regularly, Junior believed in Jesus with a sincere and steady heart. His family finds comfort knowing he is healed, whole, and resting peacefully in the presence of the Lord.

Junior leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and quiet reliability. He was a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend—the kind of man whose presence will be missed every single day. His memory will continue to live on through his family and all who were blessed to know him.

The family extends heartfelt appreciation to all who have offered prayers, support, and kindness during this difficult time.