Raymond J. Caffrey, M.D.

Raymond James Caffrey, M.D., 85, passed away February 8, 2013 following a brief illness. The Holy Rosary is to be prayed Friday Feb.15 at 5 p.m. followed by visitation until 7:30 p.m. at McGilley State Line Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial is to be celebrated at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb.16 at St. Thomas More Church, 11822 Holmes Rd., KCMO.

Ray was born to Raymond John and Regina Dolan Caffrey in Omaha, NE. Having lost his father at an early age, he attended St. Berchman’s Boarding School in Marion, IA while his mother worked at the FBI field office in Kansas City. He attended Rockhurst High School and after a semester at Rockhurst College enlisted in the army in 1944. The army sent Pfc. Caffrey to the University of Wyoming where he earned an astonishing 60 credit hours in just nine months. Completing a B.S. in biology at Rockhurst, he was accepted to Creighton Medical School in 1947, placing him back in Omaha where friends introduced him to Charlotte Cook, the girl who would be his wife for 62 years.

After earning a M.S. in physiology and by now in his final year of medical school, Ray joined the Air Force as a captain which obligated him to several years of service taking his young and growing family to bases in Nebraska, Alabama, Texas, Louisiana and Missouri. In 1955, he joined a general medicine practice with the late Dr. Bill Doane in Grandview, MO.

Ray entered a residency in pathology in 1960 that began with him maintaining hours at the clinic in Grandview. He was extremely grateful for the generous support of the late Dr. Angelo Lapi and Dr. Tom Fritzlen that allowed him to devote his full energies to the rigors of his residency. Several years post residency, Ray moved to Research Medical Center staying five years before he had the opportunity to direct the laboratory at Independence Sanitarium and Hospital (IRHC). At times during the subsequent 22 year period, he also served as president of the IRHC Medical Staff, the Jackson County Medical Society, the Greater Kansas City Pathology Society and the Missouri Pathology Society as well as chaired the council of special topics for the American Society of Pathology and as a Professor, UMKC School of Medicine. His time at ‘the San’ was made even more special by the presence of partner Dr. Elson Seitz, their incredible laboratory staff and a supportive administration.

Ray most enjoyed time with his family and any opportunity to regale any audience with the accomplishments of his children and their families, especially anyone who called him ‘Pops’. He often spoke of the trips he and Charlotte took all over the globe. It was also well known how happy he was whenever a fishing rod was in his hand. Keeping holiday traditions on a grand scale was always a priority, and knowing that his faith in God was unquestionable is a comfort to all who loved him.

Ray is survived by his wife Charlotte, their eight sons, their wives and fiancee: Mark (Valerie), Michael (Mary Ann), Daniel (Cindy), Patrick (Julianna), James (Beth McWhirter), David (Mary Katherine), Robert, M.D. (Kathy) and Richard (Markay), 20 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Vitae Foundation, 1731 Southridge Dr., Suite D, Jefferson City, MO 65109.