Remembering

It's green by his grave. I'm glad for the green lush grass. Many of the cemetery sections are brown-newly turned brown dirt awaiting grass seed. It would be completely quiet, except for the birds, were not some construction workers grading the earth nearby and preparing more grave sites.

RAYMOND A NEUPERT

GM2

US Navy

World War II

Nov 4 1924

Apr 29 2010

Loving Husband

Father

Grandfather

Grt Grandfather

One white marker.

Among so very many.

A nearby marker has this verse inscribed:

“He who trusts the Lord will have wings like eagles.” Isaiah 40:31

It seems strange to sit here, so near the stone, knowing this is his final earthly resting place.

We go to cemeteries to remember, not visit. He's not here.

I place some fresh white roses at the base of his stone. And, even though I hate fake flowers, I can't help but put a small bouquet of the prettiest little white-peach roses I could find. As a little token of love & memory. Because it would be sad, on this my first visit, not to leave a little something behind.

He might not know.

But I know.

And I'm remembering...

Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery

Grandpa

Remembrances

In memory of my Grandpa Ray, Dad and Tom shared the following:

From Dad, step-son:
Ray would always want to tell a joke, even if you didn't want to hear it, And some of his jokes were as old or older than he was.

The older Ray got the worse his neuropathy became, making it difficult for him to walk.  One day I was at their house working in the backyard on their sunroom addition and Ray had walked from the garage to the backyard.  After a bit I realized he was laying on the ground because he had tripped over a concrete downspout drain.  I said, "What are you doing down there?"  His reply was something like, "I'm looking for worms."

Even though Ray had difficulty walking (without his cane, his gait was a double-s pattern) due to his neuropathy, he not only bowled every Tuesday, but had a decent average of 155.

Ray was generous with his family.

He wasn't afraid to embarrass you in public, but it usually was from a good-natured remark.



From Tom, grandson-in-law:
He always had a joke, full of fun.  He loved to see people laugh.
He loved to hunt and fish.  At 85 he went deer hunting last year.
He loved football and baseball.  It was a lot of fun watching the super bowl this year with him. His team won.
He loved to bowl.  He left me in the dust every time I bowled with him.
I have very fond memories of playing Yahtzee and checkers together.
He would often ask if I was enjoying life.  He would encourage me to be making memories with my family.
He loved kids.  My kids will miss their great-grandpa very much.
Grandpa will always be remembered as a fun person to be with.  He would give you a big hug and say,”God loves you and so do I”. 

Raymond A. Neupert

One week ago today, on Thursday, April 29th, a man I loved dearly passed away.

Raymond A. Neupert was born November 4, 1924 in St. Louis, Missouri to the late August and Frieda (Sieb) Neupert, and entered into rest April 29, 2010 in St. James, Missouri at the age of 85.

Raymond was a member of the United Methodist Church and the Masonic Lodge.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, and was a fan of the St. Louis Cardinals.

 

 Survivors include his wife Alice Neupert of St. James; son David Nail & wife Tammy of Pittsboro, IN; ten grandchildren and three great grandchildren; nieces Carol, Holly, Maxine and Darlene.

He was preceded in death by his brother and four sisters, in addition to his parents.

Visitation for family and friends will be held from 2 to 3 PM Sunday, May 2, 2010 at James & Gahr Mortuary in St. James, Missouri.  A memorial service will also be held Sunday, May 2 beginning at 3 PM at James & Gahr Mortuary in St. James with Rev. Amy Turner officiating.  Interment will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri.