Gene Ray

Gilbert Eugene "Gene" Ray, 68, of Flemington, Missouri, formerly of Pleasant Hill, was born Saturday, April 10, 1943 in Topeka, Kansas, the son of Howard and Dorothy (Terrell) Ray. He departed this life at 1:32 p.m. on Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at St. John's Hospital in Springfield, Missouri.

Gene was a 1961 Pleasant Hill High School Graduate and was a United States Navy Veteran.

On March 20, 1970, he was united in marriage to Janet Mary Kramer in Miami, Oklahoma.

Gene was a gifted Salesman last working for G.R. Milner Ford in Harrisonville. He also was a private realtor.

Gene loved his little acreage near Flemington where he could watch the birds, squirrels and occasional deer. He also enjoyed messing with his chickens, donkey, and dogs Jinx, Shorty, and his little buddy Nikki who followed Gene everywhere and spent many hours on his lap. He loved being with his neighbors playing cards, drinking coffee, and just visiting.

Above all he loved being a dad, Grandpa Gene, and PaPa Gene more than anything else.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife Janet of the home; three sons Robbie (and Marisela) McKinley of El Paso, Texas, Danny (and Stephanie) Ray of Pleasant Hill, and Jamie (and Sherry) Ray both of Pleasant Hill; one daughter Belinda (and Barry) Mead of Pleasant Hill; six grandchildren Marisol McKinley, Robert McKinley, Jr. (and Maria), Crystal McKinley, Dani Mead, Summer Ray, Ali Ray; two great grandchildren Richard Mead and Sean Mead; two brothers Kenneth (and Paula) Ray of Plattsburg, Missouri, and Dennis Ray of Pleasant Hill; two sisters Sandra Pope (and the late Gary) of Harrisonville, and Linda (and Buddy) Winfrey of Kingsville; several nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.

Graveside funeral services were held Friday, December 16, 2011, at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Pastor Carl Knapp of the Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church officiated. Casket bearers were Robbie McKinley, Barry Mead, Danny Ray, Dennis Ray, Jamie Ray, Kenneth Ray, Jim Spencer, and Buddy Winfrey. The flag folding ceremony and presentation was conducted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #3118 Honor Guard.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Heart or American Lung Associations and may be sent in care of the funeral home.