Raymond F. Stukel, 85, of Big Spring, died Tuesday, April 8, 2014 in a local hospital. Memorial services will be 2:00pm Friday, April11, 2014 at St. Paul Lutheran Church with Pastor Don Rosentreter officiating.Ray was born March 21, 1929 in Kenosha, Wisconsin and married Rose Fiebrantz October 29, 1956 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.He served in the US Army from 1951 to 1953, then served in the US Air Force from 1959 to 1977, retiring from Webb Air Force Base as a Master Sergeant. He then worked for Adobe Oil Company for 15 years before retiring to a life church and community service.Ray was a long time member of St. Paul Lutheran Church where he served as an elder. He also volunteered to drive residents of Big Spring to Midland/Odessa to receive scheduled cancer treatments. Ray and Rose also volunteered with the citizens police academy. Among his most recent commitments to community service, Ray was a member of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), he volunteered with the chaplains office at the Big Spring Veterans Administration Medical Center, and at Isaiah 58 Food Pantry.Ray was a loving husband, a great dad, and a caring friend. He was incredibly faithful to the church and his belief in Jesus Christ was steadfast. His expression of his Faith was evident through his efforts to serve those around him. He thoroughly enjoyed his Walk to Emmaus and the friendships he established through that experience. He was perpetually working with his hands and was willing to try to fix anything that may have needed work, or to go behind the scenes to help others. It would not shock those who knew Ray, that upon his arrival to the gates of Heaven, he likely questioned God as to whether He would like the gates to swing more freely, without squeaking.He is survived by his wife, Rose Stukel of Big Spring; son, Randy Stukel and wife Del, of Granger, Indiana; two grandchildren, Amanda and Devin Stukel, both of Granger, Indiana; son, Russ Stukel and wife Laura, of Denton, Texas; sister, Ruth Heabler of Mt. Prospect, Illinois.He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Matilda Stukel.Memorials may be directed to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 810 Scurry St., Big Spring, Texas 79720.Arrangements under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Big Spring. Online condolences may be made at: www.npwelch.com ,
