Raymond Gray Monk 1928-2010

Raymond Gray Monk, one of six children born to the union of the late James Owen and Gertrude Gladys (Bumgarner) Monk, was born February 27, 1928 in Cleveland, Virginia. He departed this life at 6:50 P.M. Wednesday, April 7, 2010 at Phelps County Regional Medical Center of Rolla, Missouri at the age of 82 years, 1 month and 11 days.

Raymond enlisted in the United States Navy in 1945 and served his country with distinction through World War II and the Korean Conflict. He earned several awards and commendations for his faithful service.

Raymond was united in marriage to Twila Jewell Brunsback on April 19, 1951 in Las Vegas, Nevada. They shared 38 years of marriage together and were blessed with four children: Gerald, Clifford, James and Carolyn. Twila preceded Raymond in death on January 6, 1990.

On December 18, 1993, Raymond was united in marriage to Cathryn Nell Hickey. They shared over 16 years of marriage together and many wonderful memories.

Raymond worked for Bekins Moving and Storage as a truck driver in San Diego, California moving furniture for several years. Raymond moved from San Diego to Pulaski County in 1989 and became a valued member of the community. He was a member of the Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church and attended every chance he could. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 331, Ozark Memorial VFW Post 3176 of St. Robert and the Disabled American Veterans.

In his spare time, he loved being outdoors. He enjoyed fishing, camping, vacationing and working in his yard. He was a very wonderful family man and especially enjoyed spending time with his grand and great grandchildren. He will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved him.

Raymond leaves to cherish his memory his wife, two children and two step sons; four grandsons; six great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents and wife, Raymond was preceded in death by two sons: Clifford and Gerald Cook and five siblings: Margaret, Charlie, Carroll, Virlin and William.