Jack Cutbirth

(From Ulmer Funeral Home)

Jack Cutbirth, 84, of Reeds, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at his home. 

Jack was born on February 28, 1942, in Oakland, California, to the late Frank and Alta Cutbirth. He lived a full life—one marked by hard work, a deep love for his family, a strong sense of adventure, a generous heart, and more than a little mischief. 

Before beginning a 26-year career with Atlas Powder Company, Jack worked as a truck driver, traveling through all 48 contiguous states. He knew the open road well, and that love of freedom and adventure stayed with him throughout his life. 

Few things captured Jack’s spirit quite like a Harley-Davidson. He began riding motorcycles at 18 and continued until he was 80. Riding was never simply a hobby for Jack. It was freedom, adventure, friendship, camaraderie, fun, and just enough rebellion to suit him perfectly. He loved riding motorcycles and the friendships that came with them. Jack also found peace in quieter places. He enjoyed fishing, deer hunting, and simply being outside, where he appreciated the beauty and stillness of nature. In earlier years, he was an active Shriner, and for many years he was also a strong supporter of Combat Vets. But more than anything, Jack loved his family. 

He married Toni Holbert on December 13, 1962, and for 63 years they did life together—the good times, the tough times, and everything in between. Through all the seasons of life, it was Jack and Toni, side by side. He loved her deeply, and the life and family they built together meant everything to him.
Jack was a wonderful dad who always knew how to make life fun. 

There wasn't always a lot to spare, but he made sure there was never a shortage of adventure for his family. Camping, fishing, hunting, days at the river and lake, and spur-of-the-moment road trips became lasting family memories. Jack might come home from work and simply announce, “Let’s load up and go to the river,” and off they would go. He fixed up a go-kart for his daughter, a mini-bike for his son, and later added a dune buggy to the family adventures. 

That was Jack. He knew how to make something out of an ordinary day. That same playful spirit carried into his years as a grandpa and great-grandpa. Jack was never too grown-up to play Barbies, cars, tractors, sit across the table for a game of checkers, or entertain the kids with one of his colorful stories. He gave them his time, his attention, his humor, and the kind of memories that will stay with them for a lifetime. 

Jack was a character in the very best sense of the word. He had a quick wit, a twinkle in his eye, and a colorful vocabulary all his own. He had a phrase for nearly every situation—and often several versions of the same one. His family and friends knew that mischievous look that usually meant a joke, a teasing remark, or one of those unforgettable Jack sayings that were uniquely his. He called a spade a spade, told things as he saw them, and never had much use for pretense. You always knew where you stood with Jack. Yet beneath that plainspoken exterior was an extraordinarily generous man. He never met a stranger, made friends wherever he went, and would give the shirt off his back to someone who needed it. Jack was loved by those who knew him because he was simply, completely, and unapologetically himself. 

Along with his wife, Toni, Jack is survived by his son, Michael Cutbirth and wife Rileah of Carthage; daughter, Michelle Wood and husband Randall of Oronogo; grandchildren, Andrew Cutbirth and wife Mercedes, Kevin Cutbirth and wife Amanda, Alex Cutbirth and wife Natalie, Mikali Forst and husband Cameron, Jacob Jones, Megan Bayless and husband Seth, McKinley Harris, McKade Crockett, Madi Wittmaier and husband Logan, and Zach Jones and wife Brittney; and 15 great-grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Alta Cutbirth, and three sisters, Ruby Blevins, Carol Parker, and Linda Cochran. 

Jack leaves behind a family who loved him deeply, countless stories that will continue to be told, and memories filled with laughter, open roads, riverbanks, motorcycles, family adventures, and funny stories that always included a few colorful phrases that will forever make those who loved him smile.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at Ulmer Funeral Home in Carthage. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, August 28, 2026, at Park Cemetery in Carthage, Missouri.

Condolences may be made at www.ulmerfh.com.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Ulmer Funeral Home.