Mehari Zehaie

Mr. Mehari Zehaie, age 61 years, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away Saturday, January 23, 2016, at the Capital Region Medical Center. Mehari was born on November 20, 1954, in Mendefera, Eritrea in East Africa, a son of Tsehaie Ghebreyesus and Regaat Embaye. He was married on August 24, 1985 in Dallas, Texas, to Rigat Ghebre. Mehari graduated from St. George High School in Mendefera, Eritrea in 1971 and attended Haile Selassie University in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He later received an associate's degree from Metro Business College in 1995. Mehari moved to the United States in 1980. He lived in Washington D.C., Dallas, Texas, and finally was a resident of Jefferson City for the last 27 years. While living in Washington D.C., he worked with the World Bank. Later he managed several convenience stores when he moved to Dallas. When he moved to Jefferson City, Mehari began his employment with the State of Missouri for over 15 years, 11 years of which were with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services as an account executive. Before his work with the Department of Health and Senior Services, he worked with the Department of Corrections and Department of Water Conservation. Mehari was an avid sporting fan and competitor alike. Growing up, he enjoyed playing soccer, bowling, and basketball. He appreciated the years spent with his coworkers at the Department of Health. He also enjoyed Sunday dinners with his brother, sister-in-law, and other close family members. Most importantly, he cherished time with all his family, especially with his sons. He will be remembered for his warm kindness, his patience and tolerance, and most of all his selflessness. Survivors include: three sons, Naod Mehari of France, Hermon Mehari of Kansas City, Mo., and Joseph Mehari of New York, New York; five brothers, Tesfai Tsehaie (wife Turu Negash) of Jefferson City, Mo., Abraham Tsehaie of Germany, Alemseghed Tsehaie (wife Almas) of Asmara, Eritrea, Ghreyesus Tsehaie of Dallas, Texas, and Isayas Tsehaie (wife Ghenet Tecklezgi) of Germany; three sisters, Assefash Tsehaie (husband Asmelash Ghebrezgiabher) of Kansas City, Mo., Fortuna Tsehaie (husband Yemane Habtemichael) of Dallas, Texas, and Yordanos Tsehaie (husband Alem Hailemariam) of Winnipeg, Canada; three grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Fitighey Tsehaie. Visitation will be held at the First Assembly of God from 9:30 until 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 30, 2016. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 30, 2016, also held at the First Assembly of God (1900 Highway C, Jefferson City, MO 65109) with Pastor Lowell Perkins officiating. Graveside services and interment will be held at Riverview Cemetery (2600 W Main St., Jefferson City, MO 65109). In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the American Diabetes Association. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com