Obituary of Raymond Lewis Cullifer

Raymond Lewis Cullifer, 88, of Moberly passed away Thursday, February 22, 2018 at the Missouri Veterans Home in Mexico, MO. Ray was born in Moberly, MO on December 1, 1929 to Alvah “Slim” Cullifer and Ethel Marie Clark Cullifer. He was a life long resident of Moberly and 1947 graduate of Moberly High School when it was part of the Junior College. Ray proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1950 to 1953 as a Staff Sergeant, CFC Gunner and Crew Chief in B-29’s in the 308 heavy bomber squadron. He then entered the Air Force Reserves. In 1953 he married Marjorie Frans at North Park Baptist Church in Moberly. He worked with his father “Slim” at A C’s garage. Ray also owned his own autobody and radiator shops as well as being an autobody instructor at the Moberly Area Vocational Technical School and the Moberly Area Community College. He enjoyed fishing, swimming and traveling. Ray also liked to work with his hands doing wood working and welding. He loved classic cars and Harley Davidson motorcycles. More than anything he enjoyed spending time with his family. He was a man of honor and integrity who was well respected in his community and touched the lives of many he met through the years. Ray is preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Louise Furhman and Shirley Wheeler and great niece, Bambi Thull. Survivors include his beloved wife, Margie Cullifer of Moberly; children, Ronald Cullifer of Seoul, South Korea, Donald and Kim Cullifer of Huntsville and John and Marie Cullifer of Paris; grandchildren, Tasha and Wade Koeven of Moberly and Levi Cullifer of Kirksville; great grandson, Artorius Koeven and baby Koeven “on the way” both of Moberly; sister-in-law, Shirley and Maurice “Moe” Heddinghaus of Moberly; nieces and nephews, Judy Risch, Cammie Eravi, Billy and Rae Nene Butler all of Moberly, Becky and Tom Wales of Cuba, Larry and Rebecca Heddinghaus, Donna and Tracy Fainter, Joe and Sherry Heddinghaus, Michael Heddinghaus (and all their families) all of Moberly; great nephews, Kenny Risch of Fulton and Jeff Eravi of Moberly; extended family, close friends and his family at the Missouri Veterans Home in Mexico. Services celebrating Ray’s life will be held Tuesday, February 27, 2018 at 12:00 noon at Pathway Memorial Funeral Home in Moberly. Interment will follow at Oakland Cemetery with full military honors. Visitation will be held Tuesday, February 27, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Memorial contributions in Ray’s honor are appreciated to the donor’s local vocational technical school or to the Missouri Veterans Home, 1 Veterans Way, Mexico, MO 65265.