Hubert “Ray” Sigler, MSgt, USAF, Ret.
- Visitation Dates and Times
Saturday, May 13, 2023 9:00-11:00 a.m.
- Visitation Location
First Congregational Church of Highland
801 Washington St, Highland, IL 62249
- Service Date
Saturday, May 13, 2023
- Service Time
11:00 a.m.
- Service Location
First Congregational Church of Highland
801 Washington St, Highland, IL 62249
- Full Obituary
Hubert “Ray” Sigler, MSgt, USAF, Ret., of Highland, passed away and went to the Lord on May 9, 2023, at the age of 86. He was born on August 12, 1936, in Tyrone, MO, to Earl and Eva, nee Weiler, Sigler. Ray was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend to many.
After graduating from Cabool High School in 1954, Ray joined the United States Air Force, where he served as a chaplain's assistant for 20 years during the Korean Conflict and Vietnam War. He retired from the Air Force with the rank of Master Sergeant and completed his bachelor's degree at Culver Stockton College. Ray had a successful career as a realtor, broker, and appraiser and was known for his honesty and integrity as a businessman
Elaine and Ray fell in love at first sight, with a love that endured a lifetime. They loved traveling and had many road trips with their family, including many float trips on the Ozark Rivers. Visiting family was an important part of his life, because Ray loved family. Ray wrote two novels that captured the life he knew in the Ozarks. Ray and Elaine became avid bridge players and they were both life masters. Ray loved his church, served as deacon, taught Sunday school, and attended many gatherings over the years. He was a great friend to many and didn't know a stranger. His love and pride ran deep for his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and country. In addition, Ray traveled to Washington, DC in July of 2019 for a memorable and emotional trip aboard the Honor Flight with his daughter Christina and fellow veterans.
Ray is survived by his wife Elaine, nee Jorgensen, Sigler of Highland; daughters, Rebecca (Gerard) Henken of Pagosa Springs, CO, and Christina (Randall) Lyerla of Arnold, MO; son, Daniel (Sally) Sigler of Evansville, IN; “Pops” to three grandchildren, Michelle (Kyle) Howard, Andrea (Erik) Piorkowski, and Danielle (fiancé Jaidyn Robinson) Sigler and five great-grandchildren, Kade, Levi, and Elyn Howard, Jaxson and Ethan Piorkowski; sisters, Margaret (Roy) Akers of Wynona, MO, and Nancy (Dwight) Ford of Joplin, MO; brother, James (Dr. Kimra Ross) Sigler of Joplin, MO; sisters-in-law, Wandnetta Sigler and Patsy Sigler both of Joplin, MO; and sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, and nieces and nephews whom he loved so much. Ray's caring and loving presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Eva; step-mother, Lucille Sigler; brothers, Keith and Don Sigler; and sister, Helen (Calvin) Peabody.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 13, 2023, at First Congregational Church of Highland, 801 Washington St., Highland, IL 62249, with Pastor Richard Cook and Ray's son Pastor Daniel Sigler officiating. Interment will follow at Highland City Cemetery, where full military honors will be accorded. Visitation will be from 9:00-11:00 a.m. at the church.
In lieu of flowers, plants, and other gifts, memorials may be made to First Congregational Church of Highland or the Parkinson's Foundation and will be received at the church or by mail, Moss Funeral Home, 105 S. Main St., Trenton, IL 62293, who is serving the family.
Expressions of sympathy can be sent to the family at www.mossfuneralhome.com.
