- Date Of Birth: March 13, 1922
- Date Of Death: May 30, 2008
- State: Missouri
Raymond Luther Haffer passed away at his home in St. James, Missouri on Friday, May 30, 2008. He was 86 years, 2 months, and 17 days of age.
Raymond Luther Haffer was born March 13, 1922 in Crawford County, Missouri to William Henry Haffer and Ida Jerusha Haffer. He was the fourth of twelve children. Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter Virginia Pearl Haffer, two brothers Archie Leroy Haffer and Claude William Haffer, two sisters Hallie Almeda Haffer McConnell and Wyneta May Haffer. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary and grandchildren Ric Haffer and Jennifer Haffer of the home. Four sons, Raymond Charles Haffer and wife Joan of St. Ann, Missouri; Robert Leroy Haffer and wife Janet of Sullivan, MO., James Luther Haffer and wife Lana of Steelville, Mo., and Rick G. Haffer and fiance Jennifer Taylor of St. James, Mo. Two daughters, Mary Joyce Turner and husband Charles of Farmington, Mo. and Jacqueline Renee Chavez and husband Matthew and daughter Courtney of North Las Vagas, NV. Thirteen grandchildren and many great grandchildren. One brother, Floyd Haffer of St. Louis, Mo.; six sisters; Ruth Thomas of St. Louis, Mo., Gladys Hammond of Farmington, Mo., Melba Doss of Berryman, Mo., Ruby Barman and husband Bill of St. Louis, Mo., Lucille Jennings of Farmington, Mo., and Fern McClain and husband Bob of Huzzah, Mo. and a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, and dear friends. He will be sorely missed and fondly remembered by generations of those he knew and loved.
Raymond began his working life at the age of 14. He moved in with his sister and brother-in-law and worked with his brother-in-law cutting logs, hewing ties and making staves. After that he drove a truck for Lee Truck service for a while. In 1949 he went to work for the Boys Scouts of America at Beaumont. While there he was in charge of the first 130 Mile trail ride. He worked at Beaumont unitl 1960 when he went to work for the City of University City. He worked there from 1960-1965. In 1965 he and Mary moved to St. James and he worked for his father-in-law, Richard Witzke for a year. In 1966 he went to work at Statewide Steel and remained there for the next 16 years. In 1982, Raymond went to work for the James Foundation. He retired from the James Foundation in 1992. After trying to adjust to retirement he started working on lawn mowers and doing welding for people. He then began cleaning motors and separating metals for Midwest Sales in Cuba. Raymond worked hard all of his life and enjoyed working more than anything else.
Raymond appeared in the movie “Treehouse Brown” produced by Alex Primm, in which he explained the craft of hewing a tie.
Raymond became a Christian in 1965 and was a member of Solid Rock Christian Church.
