Stephen Thomas ‘Tom’ Raic

Stephen Thomas “Tom” Raic of Festus died on Thursday, February 7, 2019, at Fountainbleu Nursing Center in Festus. He was 77 years old.

He was born on December 29, 1941, in St Louis, a son of the late Stephen T. Raic, who was killed in action during World War II, and Margaret (Acuff) Raic Fast.

He is survived by one son, Jason Eicher and his wife Jenny of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; two grandsons, Jordan Eicher and his wife Kaitlyn, Jared Eicher and his wife Lucy Sanchez; one great-grandson, Vincent Raic Eicher; as well as numerous friends and neighbors.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his half-brother, Ivan Fast.

By statute of law, he was not required to serve in the military because he was the only surviving son of a veteran killed in action. But to honor his father, he voluntarily enlisted and honorably served his country in the U.S. Air Force. He served four years stationed primarily at Ramey Air Force Base in Puerto Rico.

He was employed for many years as a conductor with the BNSF Railroad, from which he retired.

He was an avid swimmer and enjoyed scuba diving while living in Puerto Rico. He also enjoyed fishing, watching and playing football, and reading. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Ste. Genevieve.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. on Friday February 15, at the Mahn Twin City Chapel in Festus. A funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. at the Mahn Twin City Chapel. Rev. Danny Loesch will officiate. Burial with full military honors will be at Crestlawn Cemetery in Ste. Genevieve. Mahn Twin City Chapel of Festus is handling the arrangements,

Memorials may be made to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV).

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