Former Bourbon Fire Chief Raymond Breese Passes

Raymond Breese, who held every rank at the Bourbon Fire Protection District, passed away Jan. 27 at the age of 81.

Breese joined when it was still known as the Bourbon Community Fire Department in 1958. 

“He was a big part of moving the community fire department to a fire protection district,” said Deputy Chief Steve Kimker. “He was always working to provide better training and equipment to protect the citizens and firefighters.”

A funeral service was held for Breese on Sunday at Mizell Funeral Home. The procession led to to the Bourbon Fire Station, where his body was transferred to Engine 39, Bourbon’s antique fire truck.

From there, Breese was interred at Bacon Cemetery in Bourbon.

Firefighters from several neighboring districts, including Sullivan, Cuba and Owensville were there to pay their final respects.

Sullivan and Cuba set up their ladder trucks. They crisscrossed the ladders over the garage bay where Breese was taken away.

Raymond J. Breese was born in St. Louis on May 29, 1939 to John and Madge Breese.

He and twin brother Ralph graduated from Bourbon High School and entered the Army in 1957. 

He later became a maintenance worker at Meramec State Park for 21 years and was a charter member of the Sullivan Eagles F.O.E. No. 3781.

Breese was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and his wife, Billie.

He is survived by brother Ralph, nieces, nephews and friends.