Funeral services for Raymond Otto Diehl will be 11:30 AM Saturday, February 23, 2013 at the Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660) 679-0009 with Rev. Don Lybarger officiating. Visitation prior to services, 10:00 – 11:30 AM at the funeral home. Burial in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler. Contributions are suggested to the Pleasant Gap Christian Church. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.
Raymond Otto Diehl, 75 of Butler, passed away February 20, 2013 in Butler. He was born March 2, 1937 in the Round Prairie Community, Hudson Township, son of Otto and Mildred Irene (Strange) Diehl.
Raymond attended Rich Valley and later Reynard rural school houses. He graduated from Appleton City High School in 1955; where he was proud of running the fastest 100-yard dash. After high school, he entered the National Guard, where he was known for his strong leadership ability.
Raymond was united in marriage to Phyllis Sue Lampkin on November 13, 1960 in Appleton City. He started farming in Hudson Township and moved in 1972 to his present home in Pleasant Gap Township. He served on many boards, including road board, Butler school board, Adrian Co-Op board, Butler State, Boatman’s National, and Charter Bank boards. He was a member and served in various offices of Bates County Cattleman’s Association, Bates County Shrine Club, Bates County Fair Board, and was active in 4-H and FFA. He loved football including Missouri Tigers, Kansas City Chiefs, as well as the Appleton City Bulldogs and Butler Bears. He attended numerous sporting events of his grandchildren – as many as he could. He was co-chair of the Bates County Republican Party along with his wife, Phyllis for many years.
Always concerned about making time for meals, Raymond enjoyed spending time with his friends, eating out at various eating establishments around the various communities, particularly the Rich Hill Café crew. He enjoyed spending time with his family around the kitchen table during meals.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and his wife Phyllis. Raymond is survived by his children: daughter Sydney Burch of Lee’s Summit, MO; son Kim and wife Julie of Butler; daughter Mignon and husband Mike of Hooker, OK; Dane, Dirk, and Cale Diehl; Ian and Claire Burch; and Boone, Burke and Vaughn Lambley. He also leaves behind honorary son and longtime employee Eddie Harold, and special friend Melba Hough. He is also survived by one brother, Rex Diehl and wife Jackie of Schell City, MO.
