Charles L. "Chuck" Raymond, age 88, of Chesterfield, Missouri passed away on Wednesday, April 12, 2023 in Chesterfield, Missouri. He was born in Colon, Panama on May 5, 1934 to Allen and Clara Raymond (nee Leonard).
Chuck is survived by his children, Chuck (Linda) Raymond, Jr., Catherine R. (Robert) Healey, Christopher H. (Kriste) Raymond, Craig A. (Suzanne) Raymond, Michael F. (Juli) Raymond, and Matthew S. (Lauren) Raymond; twelve grandchildren, Charles (Christine) Raymond, III, Constance (Tim) Claudin, Tim (Melissa) Garnett, Crystal (Lauren) Garnett, Emily Healey, Brian (Abbi) Raymond, Eric Raymond, Christopher (Ally) Raymond, Grace Raymond, Mira Raymond, Olivia Raymond, and Jackson Raymond; eleven great-grandchildren, Luke Raymond, Margaret Mary Raymond, Dominic Raymond, Leo Raymond, Charles Raymond, IV, Connie Claudin, Mark Claudin, Monica Claudin, Vince Garnett, William Garnett, and Samuel Raymond; two brothers, Allen D. (Mary) Raymond, III, Tom Raymond; longtime partner, Joan Luning; former wife and mother to Michael and Matthew, Gina Cannon; and a host of other family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Allen Dwight Raymond, Jr.; mother, Clara Raymond; wife, Constance B. Raymond; two sisters, Nan (Willy) England and Margaret (Earl) Peck; three brothers, William (wife Bette survives) Raymond, John (wife Grace survives) Raymond, and Bob (wife Shirley survives) Raymond.
Chuck was a fifth generation graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1957. He served in the United States Army for 22 years as a helicopter pilot, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He served two combat tours during the Vietnam War receiving distinguished honors for meritorious service including the Bronze Star, the Air Medal with 20 Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Legion of Merit.
Following his retirement from the Army, he spent 22 years as a financial advisor alongside his sons Chuck and Craig serving the needs of their clients.
Chuck's greatest joy in life was always his family. The last 66 years of his life were devoted to raising his children and positively impacting his ever growing family tree of grandchildren and great grandchildren with his wisdom, patience, kindness, and love.
From Raymond reunions, Army-Navy games (beat 'em), golf trips, to Innsbrook weekends and world travels with Joan, family was always at the forefront.
From the West Point alma mater:
… And when our work is done, Our course on earth is run, May it be said, "Well done"
Be thou at peace."
E'er may that line of gray
Increase from day to day
Live, serve, and die, we pray,
West Point, for thee.
"BEAT NAVY!!"
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Chuck's honor to
Wounded Warrior Project.
To share a memory of Chuck or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.