Thomas Edwin Rayburn, 84, of Peculiar, Missouri, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2026. Born on April 19, 1941, in Searcy, Arkansas, he moved with his family to Kansas City, Missouri, during high school and spent most of his life there. Tom built a distinguished career as a machinist at Bendix, later Allied-Signal, where he advanced through the ranks into management and ultimately oversaw multiple departments before retiring at the age of 52. He and his wife, Rita, then settled in Peculiar, Missouri.
Tom found deep satisfaction in the outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, loved grilling for family and friends, and took great pleasure in competitive trap shooting alongside his colleagues. His steady presence, quiet competence, and generous spirit left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Lucille Rayburn; his sister, Patty Shockley; his stepdaughter, Kim McCormick; and his grandson, Corey McCormick. Survivors include his wife, Rita Rayburn; sons Robert Rayburn and Curtis Rayburn (Cheryl); stepson Nick Roberson; sister Judy Barnett; 10 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Tom will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
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