Raymond E. Waddell Jr.

Raymond E. Waddell Jr., 76, of Blue Grass, passed away Saturday, May 25, 2013, after an extended illness. Visitation will be at the Runge Mortuary, Davenport, on Thursday, May 30 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be Friday, May 31 at 1:00 p.m. at the mortuary. Memorials may be made to the Blue Grass Volunteer Fire Department or the Quad City Animal Welfare Center. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rungemortuary.com.

Raymond was born on January 24, 1937 in Stockport, Iowa, a son of Raymond and Esther M. (Stride) Waddell Sr. Following his school years, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served from 1955 to 1957. He married Florence McFarland on October 12, 1957 in Milan, IL. Raymond worked for five years in his father’s business, B & C Auto Wreckers. Continuing his passion for recycling scrap metal, he then opened his own business, Durant Iron & Metal Corporation, in Durant, Iowa, which he enjoyed very much, and through which he made many true friends. The business will be carried on by his son and grandchildren.

Mr. Waddell enjoyed many hobbies, among them golfing, playing euchre, reading Western books, especially Louis L’Amour, and watching Western movies and television shows. He also liked to play pool, even entering pool tournaments. He enjoyed spending time with his grandbabies, and enjoyed the outdoors and his dogs, especially “Dixie.” Raymond’s favorite activity was any time he could make a business deal and make a new friend.

Raymond is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Florence, his son, Raymond E. (Mary) Waddell, and his daughter, Theresa (Kenneth) Waddell-Hamilton, both of Davenport, one brother, John Waddell and a sister, Sharon Tank, both of Davenport. He is also survived by his grandbabies Stephanie, Katie, Kenny Lee, James, Ella, and one step-grandson, Garrison.

He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents and by his brother, Gene.