Raymond A. McCLERNON

MCCLERNON, GREENWALD, EDDINGS, ALLEY

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 7/31/2009 at 10:34:54

Lee's Summit Journal, Missouri
November 13, 2007

Raymond A. McClernon, 84, passed away on Monday, Nov. 12, 2007, at the home surrounded by family. A celebration of his life will begin with visitation from 10:30 to 11:30 on Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2007 at Our Lady of the Presentation Catholic Church, 150 N.W. Murray Road in Lee's Summit, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at a 11:30. Entombment in Mt. Moriah Cemetery Mausoleum.

Ray was born on Sept. 18, 1923 in Belmond, Iowa, and grew up in Streator, Ill. He grew up on the family farm, working in the family coal mine and on the farm while growing up in the Depression. Prior to going to war in the Navy, he worked in a brickyard and then a shipyard, welding ships and perfecting the welding trade that would serve him as a profession after the war. He served his country in the Pacific Theater WWII, serving in the Navy as a crewman on landing ships and boats. In 1949, he married Kathleen M. Greenwald. He was married in Streator, and then moved to Kansas City, Mo. He worked as a pipeline welder until his retirement in 1989, and was a loyal union man, Plumbers Local Union No. 8. He was highly respected as a welder and was always given the most difficult and complicated parts of the job. He loved being outside and, later in life, enjoyed going to his son's house in the Catskill Mountains.

In an act of great generosity and kindness, Ray and Kathie McClernon adopted as infants and raised three children: Michael J. McClernon (partner Elizabeth) of New Jersey, Raeleen Eddings (husband Michael) of Accokeek, M.D., and Marlene Alley (husband Rick) of Lee's Summit. Ray was extraordinarily proud of his children and grandchildren, and followed each of their achievements and life changes with keen interest. He believed in education and encouraged his children to complete their education. He worked very hard all of his life to make sure his children had every possible advantage, and believed that it was his job as a husband and father. He was a devout Catholic.In 1999, Ray and Kathie moved to Lee's Summit where they have lived with their youngest daughter and family and treated with extraordinary kindness for the past two years. In addition to his children who love him very much, Ray is also survived by his wife of 58 years, Kathie; and his four grandchildren, Rachel and Allison Eddings and Sara and Matthew Alley. Ray also leaves many beloved nephews, nieces and friends.

The family extends its many thanks to Saint Luke's Home Health Care, especially Donna Cusimano RN, Dr. Richard McKitrick and his staff, the Kansas City Hospice, and the Lee's Summit Fire Department. Ray had a long illness and was cared for very kindly by many doctors and nurses.

He was preceded in death by his sisters, Loretta and Helen; his brothers Francis, Patrick, Donald and Gerald; and his parents, Annie and Joseph. He will be greatly missed. Arrangements: Mount Moriah & Freeman.