Raphael Neff Sr.

Raphael Neff Sr.
Raphael B. "Ray" Neff Sr., 82, of Belleville, Ill., born Dec. 27, 1922, in Hecker, Ill., died Thursday, Oct. 20, 2005, at Collinsville Care Center, Collinsville, Ill.
Mr. Neff was a retired truck driver for North American Van Lines. He was a member of St. Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Church, Belleville, Ill., where he served as an usher. He was also a member of the Belleville American Legion Post 58. Mr. Neff was a World War II U.S. Army Veteran who flew his flag proudly throughout the years. Ray was a loyal Cardinals fan, and we can just imagine what his reaction would have been to Wednesday's game. He loved gardening and grew gardenias which were simply stunning.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Norma E., nee Meister, Neff, whom he married Dec. 23, 1942, and who died April 28, 2000; a son, Raphael B. Neff Jr.; and his parents, August and Theresa, nee Kaiser, Neff.
He is survived by a son, David P. (Kathy) Neff of Glen Carbon, Ill.; three grandchildren, Tim (Amy) Neff of Waterloo, Ill., Chris Neff of Belleville, Ill., and Lesley Neff of Indianapolis, Ind.; a great grandchild, Kendall; and a daughter-in-law, Peggy Neff of Belleville, Ill.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.


Visitation: Friends may call from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2005, at George Renner and Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, Ill.


Funeral: Funeral procession will leave at 10:40 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2005, from George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, Ill., for an 11 a.m. Mass of Christian burial at St. Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Church, Belleville, Ill., with the Rev. Andy Knopik officiating. Burial will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Mo.
www.rennerfh.com

GEORGE RENNER & SONS FUNERAL HOME, Belleville, Ill.