Raymond Niswonger

Raymond D. "Bud" Niswonger, 80, of Whitewater passed away Monday, June 6, 2005, at his home.

He was born Sept. 16, 1924, in Cape Girardeau, son of Freeman and Ruby Henry Niswonger. He and Norma Jean Kinder were married Sept. 10, 1953.

Bud was inducted into the U.S. Army Feb. 23, 1943. A Pfc., he served in the 149th ENCBT BN, and later in the 117th Infantry. He was wounded on D-Day in the Omaha Beach battle in Normandy, France. Honors received include the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal, French Legion of Honor Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Presidential Unit Emblem and Jubilee of Liberty Medal. He was honorably discharged Oct. 19, 1945.

Bud worked 30 years on the river, including Huffman Barge Towing. He then worked at Whitewater Grain Elevator. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved to garden.

He was a member of VFW Post 3838 in Cape Girardeau, and was of the Methodist belief.

Loving survivors include his wife of 51 years, Norma Jean; two sons, Michael Niswonger and wife Nancy of Jackson, Keith Niswonger and wife Marilyn of O'Fallon, Mo.; two daughters, Karen Seyer of Dutchtown, Donna Gentry and husband Steven of Leopold, Mo.; two brothers, Norman Niswonger of Cape Girardeau, Frank Niswonger of Jackson; and a sister, Viola Riehn of Cape Girardeau.

Also surviving are four grandsons, Herbert Jr. and Robert Seyer, John Niswonger and Aaron Niswonger; six granddaughters, Lisa DeBrock Towe, Heather DeBrock Courtney, Christina Seyer, Christy Niswonger Cruz, April Niswonger and Sarah Niswonger; two stepgrandsons, Justin and Adam Gentry; four great-grandchildren, Xavier Niswonger, Heaven Cruz, Gavin Stroder, William Walters; and a great-stepgrandson, Dayton Gentry.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Raymond Niswonger Jr.; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Chester and Lillian Kinder.

Friends may call at McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson from 4 to 8 p.m. today.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Ann Mowery officiating. Burial will be in Zion Methodist Cemetery at Gordonville, with graveside military honors.

Pallbearers will be Mike, Keith and John Niswonger, Herbert Jr. and Robert Seyer, Steve Gentry, Ron Deneke and Brian Towe.