Raymond Estes

Raymond Carroll Estes was born May 20, 1937, to Lloyd and Vena (Butler) Estes in Crescent, Iowa. He was raised in Crescent and attended school in Crescent, Missouri Valley, and Council Bluffs. He graduated in 1955 from Abraham Lincoln High School in Council Bluffs. After his graduation, he joined the Army National Guard. Following his service to his country, he worked a milk route with Coleman Dairy until he began his lifelong career with Union Pacific Rail Road, from which he retired in 1996. In June 1963, Ray married Elaine Nusser and remained so until her death in November 1992. The couple was blessed with two children, Monica Ann and Joseph Edward. In February 2002, Ray married Jean Swedburg.

Ray was a very religious person and was a member of the Community of Christ in Missouri Valley. Ray was also a people person. He loved to sit with friends and discuss The Bible, as well as anything else that came up over coffee. He was also a very active person. In his younger years, Ray loved restoring older cars. After he retired, he kept himself busy by doing crossword puzzles, collecting model cars, and tinkering with his tractors. Ray also loved being out in the country, listening to country music, hearing stories about his grandchildren and tending to his dogs.

Ray died on Sunday, August 9, 2009, at Community Memorial Hospital in Missouri Valley at the age of 72 years, two months, and 20 days.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Elaine Estes; and sister, Rosemary Rihner. He is survived by his wife, Jean Estes of Logan, Iowa; daughter, Monica Dibbern and her special friend Ryan Bowman of Council Bluffs, Iowa; son, Joseph Estes and his special friend Stephanie Hicks of Hensley, Arkansas; three grandsons, Ethan Dibbern, Eyan Hicks, and Drew Estes; step-daughter, Sydnie MacElroy of Logan, Iowa; and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral Service
Saturday, August 15, 2009, at 10:30 am
Community of Christ
Missouri Valley, Iowa

Clergy
Minister Connie McWilliams

Recorded Selections
"Amazing Grace" "How Great Thou Art"
"Will the Circle be Unbroken"

Honorary Pall Bearers
Larry Kerger ~ Charlie Ferris

Pall Bearers
Brian Rihner ~ Caleb Rihner ~ Dan Rihner
Dave Rihner ~ Kevin Rihner ~ Marcus Rihner
Bob Swanson

Final Resting Place
Woodbine Cemetery
Woodbine, Iowa