Thomas Milton Rayfield

Thomas M Rayfield, age 81, passed away Saturday, 15 March 2025, surrounded by his family. Tom was born on 18 July 1943 to Edith and Robert Rayfield in Kingsport, Tennessee. The family moved to Tampa Florida in 1951. Tom joined the Air Force in May 1962 and had a very successful 30-year career. He retired in 1992 as a Chief Master Sergeant, having spent the last 13 years as a first sergeant. His exemplary leadership led to the award of many medals including the Meritorious Service Medal with 4 Bronze oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with 3 Bronze Oak Leaf, Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Device.
Tom met and married his wife Cathy Mosby in December 1978 while stationed at Richard- Gebar AFB, Belton.
While traveling the world, Tom, Cathy and their daughter Debbie especially enjoyed their almost 8 years in Germany. While stationed at Hahn Air Base, Germany, Tom was selected as the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Commander of the 50th Tactical Fighter Wing. A position he enjoyed as he was able to effect change beneficial to all wing troops.
Upon his retirement in 1992, Tom and Cathy moved back to Belton. Missouri. He transferred his membership in Lions Club International to the local Belton host lions club where he held many positions but was most proud to be the longest serving club secretary. In 2007 he was selected by the new Lions district 26M-5 to lead the merging of 3 districts into one new district. In 2008 he was elected the first Vice District Governor and then was elected District Governor for 2009-2010. Tom then was selected to serve the Missouri Lions as the trainer for State lions newly elected district Governors. Again, Tom's outstanding Leadership skills made a huge impact on the future leaders. Tom served as the Belton project chair for the Veterans Day parades for several years and also chaired Belton's first electric light Christmas parade.
Tom served as President of the Belton Park Board from 2003-2007 and led the effort to establish and complete Belton's new Markey Park and Baseball Youth Complex.
Tom felt that one of his best accomplishments was being known as PaPa to his granddaughter Ashleigh. As her main caregiver, he was able to provide guidance and advice to her all through school. They enjoyed many fun times together from visits with her friends to Sonic, to pool parties in the backyard, to teaching her to drive in Markey Park. She will always be his Sugar Girl.
Tom was known as Mr. Fix It and was called upon by many to assist with computer Issues, home repairs, car issues, ring cameras issues, you name it.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, and his brothers Bobby, Eddie, and Charles. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Cathy; his bestest daughter Debbie, his very best Sugar Girl, granddaughter Ashleigh (Jimmy, grandson Hunter and granddaughter Pasilee); his son Benjamin (Julie), grandson Eric; his son Michael; Tom's sister Carolyn; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Lee and Patti Mosby, Sydney, Christopher, Hayley and little Frankiebean.
A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, March 24, 2025 at Cullen Funeral Home, 612 W. Foxwood Dr. Raymore, Missouri 64083.
The family requests no flowers.
Arrangements: Cullen Funeral Home, Raymore, Missouri 816.322.5278