Raymond Karcher, Sr.

Raymond Eugene Karcher Sr. 19 November 1929 to 30 January 2011 On November 19, 1929, Raymond Eugene Karcher Sr. was born of George and Daisy Karcher, of Lemay, Missouri. His father George was a handyman-electrician for Famous Barr for many years, while his mother Daisy spent her life as a homemaker, wife, and mother. Ray was the youngest of eight children, growing up on Tennessee Street, on the south side of River Des Peres. Ray's older brothers included Carl, Marvin, and Wilbur. Ray's older sisters included Rosie (1927-present), Bea, and Alberta, and Alda. Ray's younger years were spent in south St. Louis, attending schools in the Hancock School District. Although Ray was born at the beginning of the Great Depression, his father had steady work and he had a happy childhood. He worked for a druggist in Lemay as a young man and began to work for Buescher Jewelers, a relationship that would last many years. Ray was a Boy Scout and developed a lifelong interest in photography, after earning his photography merit badge. In the spring of 1947, Ray graduated from Hancock High School. Following his high school graduation, Ray began his studies in Cape Girardeau, at Southeast Missouri State Teachers College. His studies were interrupted by receipt of his draft notice in mid-1948. He spent a year serving as a member of the 9th Infantry Regiment in Fort Lewis, Washington. Upon release from the military, Ray resumed his studies in Cape Girardeau, but was again interrupted by a call to return to service, as a result of the Korean War. During his second period of service, Ray spent an additional year in the 2nd Armored Division, at Fort Hood, Texas, from 1950 through 1951. Ray resumed his studies in Cape Girardeau, graduating in 1953 with a Bachelors Degree in Education. In later years, Ray earned a Masters Degree in Education Administration from Peabody College, in Nashville, Tennessee. While studying in Cape Girardeau, Ray met Julia Ann Huters, the daughter of Albert and Lydia Huters of Cape Girardeau. Ray and Julia met on campus, while both were completing their studies at Southeast Missouri State Teachers College. They became better acquainted at Southeast Missouri Hospital, where Julia worked in the office, and Ray was briefly a patient. On August 10, 1952, Ray and Julia were married at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Julia's Sister Janice (1927-2005) and Brother Albert (1934-present) participated in the ceremony as matron of honor and a groomsman, respectively. Following their wedding ceremony, Ray and Julia honeymooned in Lookout Mountain, Tennessee. During their honeymoon, Ray was admitted to the hospital in Tennessee, for a bleeding ulcer. After several days, Ray was released from the hospital and the happy couple was able to resume their honeymoon. Ray's first teaching job was at his high school alma mater, Hancock High School. He taught at Hancock High School for five years, gaining critical teaching experience. Upon leaving Hancock, Ray began teaching at Mehlville High School, where he subsequently taught for 33 years. At both Hancock and Mehlville, Ray touched the lives of so many students, fellow teachers, and administrators. During his teaching tenure, Ray taught sociology, economics, American History, and drivers training. In addition to his teaching duties, Ray was a passionate sponsor of the Mehlville High School Yearbook for almost 30 years, having a huge impact on the school and many generations of students. Throughout his life, Ray shared wonderful, touching, and humorous stories about his students and his years as an educator. He was blessed to serve his students, and had a huge impact on so many young people. In addition to his service as an educator, Ray also had a professional photography business. He photographed weddings, communions, school dances, and other parties and celebrations. The wedding albums that Ray put together provided beautiful memories for many happy couples and their families. Throughout his adult life, Ray dabbled in the jewelry business. He spent many evenings in Buescher's Jewelers in the Concord Plaza, and enjoyed helping customers find that special gift or wedding ring. Even after he stopped working at Buescher's Jewelers, he continued to help friends and family members with their jewelry desires. One of Ray's great joys was his involvement in Scouting. As a youngster, Ray earned the rank of Eagle Scout, beginning a lifelong commitment to the Boy Scouts of America. As an adult Scouter, Ray served as a scoutmaster, committee chairman, Adult Trainer, and Eagle Board Member. He assisted many young scouts in earning merit badges and progressing on the trail toward the coveted Eagle Scout award. Twice in his life, Ray led scouts on the adventure of a lifetime, at the Philmont Scout Ranch in northern New Mexico, backpacking, hiking, and camping for 10 days at a time. For over 20 years, Ray organized and led Scouts in the Annual Good Turn Program, placing small American Flags on the graves of our veterans at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, prior to Memorial Day. Thus, it is fitting that his final place of rest will be at Jefferson Barracks, where he will continue, year after year to watch "his" Scouts honor our fallen heroes. For his lifelong commitment to Scouting, Ray was awarded with the Silver Beaver in 2003. As with his teaching, Ray was able to touch so many young lives, developing better citizens and young men who live by the Scout Oath and Creed. Ray and Julia were blessed with three wonderful children, Ray Jr. (48 years old), Laurie (45 years old), and Tim (44 years old). Ray Jr. is an electrical engineer, working for Eaton. He is married to the former Joannie Pennick, and they live in Barnhart, Missouri. Laurie followed in her father's footsteps, and teaches high school, in Westfield, Indiana. She is married to Jeff Russo, and they blessed Ray with two beautiful grandchildren, Samuel James (7 years old) and Julianna Rose (4 years old). Tim serves as an Army Officer, stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. He is married to the former Alesia Andersen, and they continued... 12 Next February 03, 2011
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