Howard Raymond Raef “Cowboy”, age 66, of Lucerne, Missouri, passed away October 21st, 2025, at his home.
Howard was born on August 14th, 1959, in Fort Scott, Kansas, the son of Howard and Mildred Raef.
Howard Raef married Twyla (Lunsford) Raef in 2012, being together a total of 25 years. With this marriage he then became the father to Mary Rouse and Tony Lunsford.
Howard was raised on a family farm and has farmed ever since. He enjoyed having cows and custom haying. He also had a love for semi’s as he also owned his own trucking company called “Raef’s hauling”. Later on in life Howard began to haul the Amish for many years before passing. Many people knew Howard as Cowboy and this nickname stuck around. Howard loved his wife, Twyla and had a special bond with his kids, Mary and Tony and also his grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Kylie, Shiloh, and Shanee. Howard was extremely close to Mary, his daughter, they shared many good laughs and memories together. He taught Shiloh many things on the farm, including how to drive a tractor and many other life lessons and skills that Shiloh will cherish forever. Howard was more like a father figure to Shiloh and had always been there for him no matter what, as well as his other grandchildren. Although he didn’t teach many farming skills to Kaitlyn, Kylie, and Shanee, he gave them life skills they will never forget and always called them “his girls.” He was so proud to be a dad and grandpa and truly would do anything for any of them. He was a proud great grandpa to Ella and was expecting his second great-granddaughter (Westlynn) in January. Howard was a Christian and accepted Jesus into his life as his Lord and Savior. Howard was a man with many crazy stories and always knew how to make people laugh.
Left to honor his memory is his wife Twyla Raef. His daughter Mary Rouse. His four grandchildren Kaitlyn List (Dylan Moore), Kylie Rouse (Bradyn Montgomery) , Shiloh Tipton, and Shanee Tipton. A great granddaughter Ella, with one great granddaughter (Westlynn) on the way. His brother Douglas Raef and sisters Freda Allen, Linda Legendre, Kathryn (Scott) Cartee. As well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Howard was proceeded in death by his son Tony Lunsford. His grandparents Fred and Alta Raef. His parents Howard and Mildred Raef.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be given to the family’s choice
The family will be having a private memorial service at a later date.
Casady-Luscan Funeral Solutions is honored to care for and minister to the Raef family during this time.
