Raymond Green

Raymond Elmer Green of Caledonia, Missouri passed away peacefully on May 3, 2015 at the Mercy Hospital Jefferson having reached the age of ninety years, ten months, and sixteen days. Ray was born on June 17, 1924 in Jefferson City, Missouri a son to the late William and Bertha (Clark) Green. He was orphaned at the age of two and spent the next six years with different family members. At the age of eight, he went to live with a foster family and was raised by Mr. and Mrs. Jobe Kinder until he was sixteen years old. At that time, he entered a CCC Camp and took mechanics training in Rolla, Missouri. He used this training throughout his career. He retired in 1982 as the service adviser for Cavalier Ford. Ray was an active member of the VFW Post 6996 and the American Legion. He was a proud Veteran of World War II. Since his enlistment in June 1942, he served with the 4th Armored Division, Patton's Army, until 1945. He was in the combat zone for 280 Days. His division landed in England then went on to France, Luxembourg, Belgium, Germany, and Czechoslovakia. Ray landed in France on Omaha Beach and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. His division liberated three death camps. Ray was awarded 5 Bronze stars for 5 major battles in Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes, and Central Europe, 1 Silver Star, and the Presidential Citation. Ray met his wife and best friend of 64 years, Norma Riddle Green, at the Magic Chef Stove Company. They were united in marriage on May 18, 1946. Those who remain to mourn his passing are his dear companion Loretta Neier of Caledonia, Missouri and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. In addition to his parents, Ray is preceded in death by his foster parents: Jobe and Arlie Kinder; two brothers: Earl and Edward Green; and four sisters: Belle Kroeger, Louise Bohn, Ethel McCall, and Dorothy Helton. Ray loved his family and friends. He never hesitated to help anyone in need. We will all miss his loving, funny, and helpful ways, but we know he is in a better place. Ray touched the lives of many and will never be forgotten. Visitation for Ray will be held on Tuesday, May 5, 2015 at the DeClue Family Funeral Home from 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Visitation will resume on Wednesday, May 6, 2015 at the DeClue Family Funeral Home from 8:00 AM - 9:45 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday, May 6, 2015 at 10:00 AM at the St. James Catholic Church with Father Roger Flemming officiating. Full military honors will be provided by the United States Army and the VFW Post 6996. Interment and final prayers will be held at the Redbud Memorial Gardens. All funeral arrangements have been cared for by the DeClue Family Funeral Home.