Raymond H. Walrath Sr.

Raymond H. Walrath Sr., 61, Bois D' Arc, died at 5:42 p.m. Sunday, July 27, 2008, in his home surrounded by his loving family, and had shared the morning with blessed friends. He was born February 6, 1947, in Ilian, New York, the son of George B. and Mildred (McRorie) Walrath. He served his county during the Vietnam War in the U.S. Navy. Raymond was united in marriage to Sherry Harmon on December 31, 1980. He was employed at Springfield City Utilities as an electrical engineer for 30 years. His father, George, preceded him in death. Raymond is survived by his wife, Sherry of the home; two children and their spouses, Raymond H. Jr. and Chelle Walrath, Mt. Vernon, and Alisha and Steven Cook, Bois D'Arc; six grandchildren, Breanna, Skyler, Ethan and Sage Walrath, and Kolby and Levi Cook; his mother, Mildred "Millie", California; two brothers, George B. Walrath Jr., Idaho, and Douglas Walrath and wife, Larissa, Montana; two sisters and their spouses, Yvonne and Jim Blacow, California, and Merilee and Dan Jones, Califorina; and many other extended family and friends. Raymond's family deeply expresses their gratitude to all of their friends, co-workers and staff at the VA Hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas, for their many heartfelt prayers, kind words and gracious assistance in his fight for life. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 30, 2008, in Hillside Baptist Church. Graveside memorial services with military honors will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 30, 2008, in Missouri Veteran's Cemetery, Springfield, with Rev. Cecil Tolbert officiating, under the direction of Meadors Funeral Home, Republic. Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, VFW #5686, VA Hospital Little Rock, Hospice, or Hillside Baptist Church. Online condolences may be made at www.meadorsfuneralhome.com.