Raymond Eugene Holman, of Harrisonville, Missouri was born September 25th, 1947 in Alton, Illinois. Raymond was the son of Eugene Edward Holman and Dorris Ellis (Ballinger) Holman. He peacefully departed this life April 13th, 2025 at his home and farm surrounded by his beloved wife and children.
Raymond attended Alton High School from 1963-1967 and had many fond memories and stories he enjoyed sharing prior to his graduation in 1967. He received scholarships to Southern Illinois University for both football and agriculture. Prior to attending college he was drafted into the Air Force, became Staff Sergeant and decorated Veteran of the Vietnam War. Raymond served with the Air Force from 1967-1971. Raymond received many medals of honor during his sacrifices for his country: National Defense Service Medal, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal and Air Force Good Conduct Medal.
In his 77 years on this Earth Raymond created beauty wherever he went. Far and wide did all know him as a loyal and loving man who always had a 'one liner' that would make your day. He was genuinely a one of a kind soul who left pieces of himself in the places, people and animals he found to be befitting of it. He did not know a stranger, and even in the cruelest of environments could his smile still be found. He had a passion for working the land, making friends, telling stories and creating a space for big belly laughs and smiles. A man of simple pleasures who knew all too well that life would only be what he made it, and he made it a special kind of beautiful for those he cherished and loved.
Raymond united in marriage with Patricia (Heath) Holman on March 9th, 1985 surrounded by their two children, friends and loved ones. For 40 years he wove a beautiful story of love, dedication, devotion. They shared in a kind of soul binding love that could be weathered and admired, but never so small it could be bound by flesh. They met while Raymond was an operator and working as a large truck operator in Illinois.
In the years to come Raymond was an operating engineer for Honeywell in which he retired with. He was also an equipment operator and a devoted business man who grew and expanded his business Holman Lawn & Landscaping. Hard dirty work was something to be proud of, to strive for and to build with.
Raymond's dedicated years of hard work led him to their family farm of which he cherished every inch, corner and crevice of his land.
He shared in that knowledge and love with his wife who worked alongside him, his children and his cherished grandchildren. You could find him on a tractor at any given season; The earth and land never stopped so neither did he. Some of his happiest and most joyous moments were of simple times riding in the tractor making hay with his children and always his grandchildren.
The only thing Raymond loved as much as his family and working the land was food. One thing was for certain if there was a snack to be had, he was getting it. No this was not negotiable for him. He was quick to see a grandkid or child walking by with something sweet and needed to try it too. Feeding people, his family or sitting down for a cup of coffee was a genuine force of love that will continue to live on through all of those he touched with this simple and pure form of kindness and love that he expressed and shared so beautifully.
Raymond loved music, reading and the simple pleasures of watching his shows in the peace he created that is his family's farm.
Raymond was the oldest brother to Janice (Holman) Horton, Richard 'Dickey' Holman, Hilda (Holman) Everage, Cynthia (Holman) Winthrow and Brenda Holman. He was preceded in death by his parents Eugene and Dorris, and many loved ones who he is now reunited with.
Raymond is survived and will live on through his Wife Patricia Holman; Son James E Holman and grandson Zachary Holman of Harrisonville, MO; Daughter Rebecca Higgins and grandsons Isaiah and Jakoby Thomas and granddaughter Kamryn Thomas, of Grandivew, MO; Son Eugene E Holman and Candice Holman and grandchildren MeCayla Holman, Elizabeth Holman, Kadden Kilgore and Donovin Holman of Lee's Summit, MO; Daughter Rayanne Holman and granddaughter Molly Taylor of the home. Vast extended family, cherished friends and so many who loved and were loved by him in return.
