Billy Raper

Billy Raper, 58, Blue Springs, MO passed away March 29, 2009 at St. Mary’s Hospital, Blue Springs, MO. Military graveside services will be held 1 PM, Thursday, April 2, 2009 at Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Higginsville, MO. Billy was born July 10, 1950 in Little Rock, AR. Billy is preceded by his daughter, Samantha. He is survived by: sons, Mike Raper, Blue Springs, MO, Brian Raper, Blue Springs, MO; daughter & son in law, Michelle & Duane Buchanan, Blue Springs, MO; grandchildren, Dallas, Brett, Savannah & Anna; brother, Ron Raper, Cypress, CA; and sister, Theresa Gentry, Valencia, CA. (arr. Heartland Cremation & Burial Society, 816-313-1677)

Visits: 1

Condolences

  1. Mike Raper on March 30, 2009 at 7:25 pm

    I loved my Dad very much. I always thought because of his illness I would be prepared for his death. I realize now you can never prepare yourself for the loss of your father or anyone close to you. My Dad once said that besides his children there was nothing in his life he could be proud of. But he was wrong. My Dad served our country and many of his friends died for the things in life many of us take for granted. That makes me feel proud of my Dad and thankful for his service. My Dad feels no more pain and no more fear because he is with his daughter, his family, and most importantly his Savior Jesus Christ. I love you Dad, and I will miss you with all my heart.



  2. karleen clark on March 31, 2009 at 10:46 am

    Bill touched many lives with his kindness and friendship. He was truly a son of God. He was a friend to many people. We will miss him greatly. He made an impact on many lives with his caring and understanding. I will always remember and will never forget the difference you made in my life. Thank you, Bill. I will never you.



  3. Jeanne Willey on March 31, 2009 at 5:40 pm

    Mike,I know you will miss your dad very much but remember this. His time here was only a tiny part of his life. His life continues on the other side with Jesus for eternity. We are all just passing through this world. I didn’t know your dad very well but I know how much you loved him and was always there for him no matter what the challenge. We pray for your family that God gives you inner peace and understanding at this difficult time.



  4. Gene Waters on April 1, 2009 at 9:19 am

    I never knew your father but know he was a good man for he has a strong and good son.He is in a better place then we are now and will always be with you in mind and heart.



  5. Gene Waters on April 1, 2009 at 11:21 am


  6. Ron Raper on April 1, 2009 at 11:24 am

    It is a hard thing to lose a younger brother, and even a harder thing to lose your Father. My brother Bill had a heart as big as all outdoors,and if he had, he would share. Bill made a lot of bad choices in life, but he made some very good ones as well. By far the best was made when he was a young man and he accepted the Lord Jesus as his savior. This desision not only affected him, but all that knew him. It brought him eternal life with God the Father and those that knew and loved him the chance to be with him again in a plase where his demons and pains cannot follow him. I will miss him greatly in this short life, but I shall rejoice to see him in that life. I love you Little Brother, and I will see you soon. Ronnie



  7. Carol Raper on April 1, 2009 at 11:31 am

    Billy, my first brother-in-law who had to show his drivers license at the drive-in even though he was driving. Who after graduating from Army Boot Camp in his Army Class A’s came directly to the hospital at 10pm to see his first niece crring a hugh teddy bear for her. Brother Ron was in Viet Nam at the time so big brother filled in. Thanks Billy. Who would get so mad at his niece for beating him at Pac Mac at the age of 8. For the great times our daughters and granddaughters had with Uncle Billy. They loved your funny faces especially with no teeth. Who had a love for our Lord, a knowledge of the Bible and a beautiful singing voice. I know you are in a better place but we will miss you.
    Love you, Your first sister-in-law, Carol



  8. Elaine schrage on April 1, 2009 at 5:20 pm

    Sorry for you loss. You and yours will be in my prayers.



  9. Savannah Raper on April 2, 2009 at 9:23 am

    Grandpa,
    I will miss you very much. I will never forget the way you would make me laugh when you made funny faces without your teeth. Im going to miss that alot. I will never forget you. I love you Grandpa.
    Love always,
    Savannah



  10. Dallas on April 2, 2009 at 9:57 am

    Grandpa was really fun to be around and I loved him a lot. I will miss him dearly.



  11. Brett on April 2, 2009 at 9:58 am

    I loved my grandpa very much and he loved me too. I remember going to the Royals game with my dad and grandpa. We had so much fun! I am going to miss grandpa coming over to our house and I will miss him forever.



  12. Anna on April 2, 2009 at 9:58 am

    Grandpa was a loving, caring grandpa. He liked to write letters and he loved pixie sticks. I remember when we used to lay down, watch TV and snuggle, eventually he would fall asleep. I love you grandpa and I will miss you.



  13. Michelle Buchanan on April 2, 2009 at 9:59 am

    I wasn’t ready to let go. I miss him so much it hurts. I am comforted by the knowledge of where my dad is and that he is now free of pain and those things that haunted him. He is with his family his daughter and our Lord. I love you dad.
    You will always be in my heart.
    Love, Miss



  14. Gail Oliver on April 2, 2009 at 10:30 am

    AHH! What can one say about Uncle Billy. My kids had the pleasure of meeting Uncle Billy in 2007 at Aunt Venda’s funeral, they thought he was so cool. The stories Uncle Billy told were unlike any they had ever heard. He told them about all the trouble they would get into as kids and how Grandpa would get so angry. He brought real life from a past generation, real to my children. We will miss him dearly and the first things my 4th daughter said when we told her he had gone on to heaven, was “Oh man, I loved that trick he did with his mouth.” Though they knew him for a very short while, he sure did make an impression. He will certainly be missed, much like his father before him.
    May Gods blessings be upon those he has left behind.
    Love,
    Gail



  15. Joy Kennedy on April 2, 2009 at 4:13 pm

    Please know that my heart goes out to all of you in this time of loss. It is a difficult time, but if you seek God’s help he will get you thru this. Try to find the Blessings



  16. Butch Shipp on April 2, 2009 at 6:35 pm

    Bro. Ron you and yours are in our prayers.
    Bro. Butch



  17. Nick Martin on April 3, 2009 at 12:58 pm

    Only met your dad a few times but heard a ton of funny stories I know you will miss him mike i think about my mom and dad everyday.



  18. Kathy Barnard on April 3, 2009 at 1:11 pm

    It hit me pretty hard to hear of Billy’s passing. Although we had not seen each other for many years, he was still more like a brother than a cousin. All those years growing up in California, there are tons of good, funny memories. It is comforting to know that he is now with Venda, Uncle Sonny, Aunt Cloy Mae, Mamma & Pappa Upchurch and others who have gone before to be with the Lord in heaven. Love and prayers to the family still here on earth.



  19. Niki Womac on April 3, 2009 at 4:45 pm

    Mike,
    I am sooo sory to hear about your Dad. He was a Great friend. I will miss him terribly. My prayer’s are with you and your family. Take care Mike and if you need anything at all just ask.

    Love,
    Niki



  20. Tasakyna Raper on April 3, 2009 at 7:43 pm

    Bill was a very open and non judgemental person, I am thankful to have known him.



  21. Beca on April 4, 2009 at 2:40 pm

    Dear Mike,
    I was shocked to hear about your Dad. I hope you and your family are ok. I told my Mom and she’s going to ask her church to pray for you and your family. Our heart’s go out to all of you.

    Your Friend,
    Beca



  22. Your Son on April 5, 2009 at 4:51 am

    Dad for as long as I can remember, I always knew that you wanted the best for me. Even tho we disagreed sometimes on what that was. I always knew that if I got into a bind, you’d help me through it, and if I had a success, you’d celebrate it with me. I always knew that if I let you down, you’d understand somehow and give me another chance. What I’m trying to say Dad is I always knew you Loved me. And I just hope you know how much I Loved you back.
    Love Always,
    Your Son



  23. Skeeter Campbell on April 5, 2009 at 8:58 pm


  24. Ron Campbell on April 7, 2009 at 8:48 pm

    We love you guys and our prayers are with you. Glad Billy is with the Lord.



  25. Shirley A. Campbell on April 7, 2009 at 8:49 pm

    You guys are so special to us. We love you and are so sorry for your loss



  26. Shirley A. Campbell on April 7, 2009 at 8:50 pm


  27. Darla Meister on April 8, 2009 at 1:24 am

    I was so sad to hear the news of Billy’s passing. It has been many many years since I have seen him but do indeed remember the good times our families had when I was young. My prayers are with you all. Darla



  28. MATT LEITH on April 24, 2009 at 3:26 pm

    Mike I am sorry for your loss. you and your family are in my prayers.



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