Raymond Lloyd McElwee

Raymond was born the middle child of Ronald and Linda (Russell) McElwee on August 9th, 1969, at Ray County Memorial Hospital in Richmond, Missouri. He lived North of Knoxville on his maternal grandparents farm (Raymond and Ethel {Butler} Russell), until 1977 when his family moved to the farm south of Cowgill. As a child he enjoyed playing outside with his Erytl toys (almost all Ford), playing with numerous family pets, general shenanigans with his siblings, and enjoying bomb pops and blackberry pie. As a child, he received a GI Joe as a Christmas gift and his spirit of collecting was born and continued into adulthood. As a child he participated in 4H becoming proficient in gardening, painting, woodworking and surprisingly, embroidery.

He attended school at Polo from Kindergarten through High school, graduating in 1987. He was active in the FFA, becoming a State Farmer. He also participated in Sheep Production, Wildlife Management, Row Crop, and Floriculture. He was a great percussionist and drummer, playing in both concert and marching bands as well as attending the state music festival for several years. He played football, basketball and track, and while he was admittedly not the best athlete in High School, he had the most school spirit, always supporting his friends enthusiastically and ready to be put in the game. He was very well known as everyone's friend with a wicked sharp wit and sense of humor.

He then attended Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville Missouri for two years, where he was active on campus with the Aggies. Ultimately, he decided to continue his education at Grand River Technical School in Chillicothe, Mo where he completed his EMT and Paramedic courses. His first job (other than being the fearless conductor of the children’s choo choo train at Worlds of Fun) was at Ray County Ambulance Service. He also worked at Excelsior Springs Fire Department, Tri County Ambulance Service, and Kearny Fire and Rescue Protection District. He then joined the Liberty Fire Department and finished fire training, later becoming a Captain. His proudest career achievement was becoming Captain and he took this responsibility very seriously. He took great pride in helping citizens and serving others. Some of his greatest friendships and brotherhood bonds were forged during his career as a Paramedic/Firefighter. His absence will be felt throughout the department and community.

Raymond was also a full time farmer and enjoyed farming the family land and was passionate about conservation and ethical farming practices.

He was known for his many hobbies which included: snowboarding, skiing (water and snow), scuba diving, Ice Hockey goalie for a rec team, leather working, buying and sometimes restoring antique tractors, and woodworking. He was also a drummer in a Christian Rock band “High Command” where he and his friends traveled around the area playing gigs for fun. He frequented 80’s hair band concerts and country music concerts. He was a fantastic dancer and loved going out with his friends. His dancing skills paid off when he met his forever dancing partner in 2007 and married Cindy Hughes in 2012.

His greatest joy came from their union when Jacob Oliver was born in 2015.

His adventurous nature continued into adulthood where he became an avid fisherman participating in many tournaments and competitions. He enjoyed Cowboy reenactment shooting, which included full authentic clothing, weaponry and various accessories, including a fully functioning cannon.

In 2024 he became a 4H leader of shooting sports where, with the help of a NRA grant, he shared his love of shooting with the kids and secured equipment for Caldwell County to start this project.

Raymond was a born again Christian and proclaimed Jesus as his Lord and Savior. He was baptized at Polo Baptist Church and attended Cowgill Baptist Church as a child. He and his family regularly attended Gospel Christian Center in Cowgill Missouri and enjoyed fellowship with that body of believers.

Raymond lived life to the fullest. He had vast and passionate interests. He loved his family, friends and co-workers. He will be remembered by his great love, adventurous spirit, quick wit, and generous heart.

He is preceded in death by his father, Ronald McElwee, his paternal grandparents, Ollie and Flossie (Reeves) McElwee, his maternal grandparents, Raymond and Ethel (Butler) Russell, his step grandfather Everett Teegarden. His is survived by his beloved wife and son, Cindy and Jacob McElwee of the home, his mother Linda (Russell) McElwee of Cowgill, his brother Ronald Lee Jr (Christine) of Cowgill, and sister Rebecca (Michael) Hodges of St Joseph, Missouri, and Niece Megan Hodges of St Joseph Missouri, many cousins and a host of friends.

.The family suggests contributions to the Braymer food pantry or Gospel Christian Center.