Joseph Charles Manuel Rader, 15, of Memphis died Monday, October 13, 2025 at his home.
He was born the son of Jose M. Reyes, Jr., and Amber N. Rader on April 22, 2010 at Scotland County Hospital in Memphis.
He was known affectionately as Jojo and was a member of the First Baptist Church in Memphis where he was baptized when he accepted Jesus Christ as his savior. Jojo tried to live his life as Christ wanted him to. He was a member of the Impact Youth Group, where he enjoyed their trips and special events.
Jojo was a sophomore at Scotland County R-1 where he participated in the drama club, FFA, band, trap shooting and baseball. Jojo earned a certificate for his trap shooting ability. He was an honor roll student and participated in many spelling bees.
He was a member of Boy Scouts troop 97 where he earned a trophy for his soap box racing.
He enjoyed racing go carts at Scottie’s Fun Spot, driving the 1997 Chevy Blazer, buying old cassette tapes, getting and repairing antiques, swimming, going fishing and quiet time with Grandpa Chick.
He was preceded in death by his great grandmother, Mary C. Downing; great grandparents: Helen and Paul Rader, Sr; grandparents, Beatrice and Jose M. Reyes, Sr.; a cousin, Violet Chuites; many aunts, uncles and other cousins.
He was survived by his great grandfather, Charles “Chick” Downing of Memphis who raised Jojo since he was a boy; mother, Amber (Jason) Blake of Kirksville; father, Jose M. (Laurie) Reyes, Jr. of Moulton, IA; grandmother, Tammy Jones, of Memphis; grandfather, Richard (Robin) Rader of Downing; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and friends.


30 comments
Prayers for the family going through this difficult time
So sorry for your loss love u
Many prayers to this family,for healing
My heart goes out to the family. JoJo was a very kind hearted boy. Praying for you all.
My heart goes out to the family. Without JoJo’s light the world is a little darker. The family is in our prayers.
So sorry for your lost. I’ve known JoJo since he was tiny. Chick and Mary always brought him to the ginger bread house. He was a very sweet boy. Will be praying for Chick and the family
Chic, many prayers for you and your family.
I pray that Jojo’s life will be measured by the lives he touched and not by the number of days he lived.
May his memories sustain you during these most difficult days.
Prayers for the family going through the difficult time. Prayers and hugs Amber
Our family wishes to send loving condolences, sympathy and many prayers for peace in the Earthly loss of Jojo.
Chic, So sorry for your loss. May God give you peace and comfort.
Chick and family… My heart breaks for you. Lifting you all up in Prayer. Kathy
Sending our deepest condolences. May God comfort you during this difficult time.
Prayers for peace and comfort.
Our deepest condolences Chick…may your memories give you strength in the coming days
So very sorry Chic.My heart goes out to you and your family. Sending many prayers your way.
So sorry Chick our thoughts and prayers we are sending to you. Pleases know we are here if you need anything. JoJo was such a sweet caring young man he will be missed by many
Chick we love you and Jojo dearly. Please know your community is here in this time and Jojo is in the arms of our Lord.
So very sorry to hear of his passing.
My sincere condolences to you and your family.
I’m so deeply sorry for your loss. I didn’t know Jojo personally, but I know he was loved deeply by the family he had — especially by a caring and devoted grandfather. I pray that God brings comfort and peace to everyone who is grieving.
Prayers for Chick and Jo Jo’s family: I worked with Chick for many years and got to see Jo Jo during many stages of his life when he would visit the Post Office
We are so sorry for your loss. Praying for comfort for all of you. Chic, Amber, and family.
Tammy, Chic and Amber. To JoJo’s other family and friends. May God give you comfort, peace and strength as you go through the grieving process.
JoJo was a sweet young man and my heartbreaks for you.
May God bless you
So very sorry Chick. Such a terrible loss. Praying for you all.
Chick, Hunter wanted me to send you his sympathy. He said Joe was his best friend. He is so sad he said.
To the loving family of JoJo,
We are so very sorry for the tragedy you are experiencing. Take comfort in knowing we will see our loved ones again.
With love, Fritz and Janet
So very sorry for your loss. Prayers to the family.
Our sincere condolences. Our hearts and prayers go out to you.
Sorry for your loss. Charles and I are not able to attend the services but thinking of all of you. Love and prayers
I’m so sorry for your loss, Amber Nicole….
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