Budo, Raymond “Ray” Paul Jr.

Raymond “Ray” Paul Budo Jr. was born in St. Louis on October 21st, 1946, to Raymond Budo Sr. and Cecilia Budo (née. Bennett). He was raised south of St. Louis in St. Louis county. Growing up, he formed many friendships that lasted his entire life. Ray attended Mehlville High School and was the undefeated Missouri State Champion wrestler in the 127lb. weight class in 1965.

Ray, like many of his peers, was called into service during the Vietnam war. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and served his country honorably, spending a tour in South Vietnam. He also served in Germany and in the United States. This service colored his life in many ways and affected him throughout the rest of his life.

Ray left the service and, in 1974, married Debbie Brown. In 1977, they began a family and had their first child, Eric. Two years later, they welcomed their second child, Amber. Ray was definitely a family man. He loved spending time with his family and friends and enjoyed working in his outdoor garden.

Ray held several jobs throughout his life but the most successful was as a salesman. Ray was an expert at sales and consistently was a sales leader. He worked hard and was promoted to sales manager at several different companies over his career.

Once Ray retired, he spent hours watching different sports and enjoyed the company of his growing family. Eric married Jody Rhoades and Amber married Courtney Davis. He was also ecstatic at the birth of his only grandchild, Zoey. He had a special relationship with each of his children and their spouses and, especially, with Zoey. You could always see Ray light up when his whole family was around him.

Ray was also a fighter. Throughout his life, he struggled with health issues and the repercussions of serving in Vietnam. Ray never gave up. He met every challenge and was determined to overcome each one. Ray also found some measure of peace from his time in Vietnam in the camaraderie of other veterans at the High Ridge VFW.

Ray is survived by his wife, Debbie Budo, his two children and their spouses, Eric & Jody Budo and Amber & Courtney Davis, his sister, Kathy Adler, and his beloved granddaughter Zoey. Ray will be missed by countless people from childhood friends, family, neighbors, and by his VFW brothers and sisters.

We love you, Dad, and will miss you everyday.

There will be a small ceremony for Ray at Jefferson Barracks on Monday Dec.1 at 10:30AM. Please meet at Kutis Funeral Home in South County, 5255 Lemay Ferry Road, Mehlville, MO 63129 by 10:00AM to escort Ray to Jefferson Barracks. A Celebration of Life will be held immediately following the service at the High Ridge VFW Post 6516, 2220 Gravois Rd, High Ridge, Missouri, 63049. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made to the American Heart Association heart.org or the American Parkinson Disease Association apdaparkinson.org.