Raymond “Junior” Halbert of Davisville, Missouri was born January 7, 1939 in Cherryville, Missouri to Thurston Raymond Halbert and Lillie Arnetta “Nettie” Murry Halbert and passed away Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the age of 86 years, 9 months and 22 days.
He grew up in Cherryville and graduated from Cherryville High School.
Junior served honorably in the U.S. Army from 1961-1964 and was stationed in Germany during most of that time. He was a member of the American Legion at Davisville for several years.
On June 29, 1968, he married Carol Welkener.
He was employed with Steelville Telephone for 30 years and spending a number of years at the Viburnum “STE” office, retiring in 1998.
Through the years, Junior raised cattle on their farm and always enjoyed growing a large garden each summer. He was also a coon hunter along with deer and turkey. He also loved his pets, especially Tator, his dog and Fisket, his cat.
As a younger man, Junior loved to spend time playing softball in Cherryville. He was always ready to watch the St. Cardinals baseball team. Junior loved music whether singing to his family or singing with the radio, especially country western and Elvis Presley songs. He also enjoyed listening to bluegrass bands when they were playing in Viburnum.
For many years, Junior enjoyed spending time with local friends when it was sorghum producing time with Dan Halbert, others, and the Martin family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Thurston and Nettie Halbert; two sisters, infant, Juanita Halbert and Mildred (Max) Davis.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Carol Halbert; five children, Susan (Gary) Kehner of Elizabeth City, North Carolina, Diana (Donald) Kehner of Steelville, Missouri, Raymond (Carrie) Halbert of Maryville, Kansas, Jason (Teresa) Halbert of Buffalo, Missouri and Cynthia (Rickey) Harmon of Cherryville, Missouri; 14 grandchildren, Andy Kehner, Danielle Salas, Mickenzie Kehner, Gabbi Verble, Wyatt Phenix, Logan Phenix, Kirsten Jeffries, Joselyn Halbert, Emmett Halbert, Justin Halbert, Connor Halbert, Noah Halbert, Miranda Brooks and Joshua Murphy; three great-grandchildren, Piper, Henry and August; other relatives and friends.
Visitation was held from noon to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri.
Celebration of Life was held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri with Rev. Jerry Beers officiating. Special music of “My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys,” “Lead Me Home” and “Amazing Grace” was played.
Full military honors by the U.S. Army were held immediately following the service.
Arrangements under the direction of the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home of Steelville, Missouri.
