COLUMBIA, Mo. – Before the Missouri man died earlier this month with his wife of 77 years holding his hand, Raymond Breuer remarked to a nurse that if his spouse passed away about that time they should be buried in the same casket.

Velva Breuer passed away 30 hours after her husband’s death Aug. 4, and Raymond’s wish came true.

The Columbia Daily Tribune reports that the Breuers, in a single casket and holding hands, were buried Friday near their parents and other relatives near St. James.

Raymond lived to be 97, Velva 97. They had six children, three of whom survive, and great-great grandchildren.

The Breuers grew up near each other in Dawson Township in rural Phelps County and were married in 1940.
Before Raymond Bruer of Missouri died, he made one final request that touched the hearts of so many who heard it.

In 77 years of marriage, he and his wife, Velva Breuer, had built a beautiful life. They grew up in Dawson Township, and would later raise six children – three of whom are still alive today.

In their final hours on this earth together, an idea passed through Raymond’s mind that he casually mentioned to a nearby nurse.

Once she realized that he didn’t want to be separated from her his wife in death, she passed it on to his family…

He must have known that they were close to death. As he held his wife’s hand in the hospital room, Raymond Breuer, 97, mentioned to a nurse that he and his wife should be buried in the same casket.

Not knowing who would cross over first, Raymond told a nearby nurse that if his wife, Velva, 96, passed at about the same time as him, they should be buried together.

Not just together, but in the same casket.

Whether he was being practical, or romantic, or both, Raymond’s whispered wish came true. About 30 hours after he passed away, Velva Breuer took her final breath.

Days later, the lifelong couple were buried together, in a single casket, holding hands.