St. Clair County Obits

LEONARD RAY

Leonard Ray, son of Peter Thomas and Bennie Ocie (McDonald) Ray, was born February 13, 1926, in Henry County. He died October 23, 1994, at Appleton Manor Nursing Home in Appleton City, at the age of 68 years. He lived near Montrose before he joined the Navy and returned there following 20 years of service to his country. He was a Chief Electrician's Mate during World War II and the Korean Conflict. After his retirement from the Navy, he worked for the Kansas City Power & Light Co. in Montrose. He was a meber of the Montrose United Presbyterian/Methodist Church and served there faithfully with his regular attendance and service to the church. He attended many church meetings and conferences participating in, and reporting changes and decisions that affect the church. He had also volunteered his time to help youth at church camps. He was a member of the Montrose V.F.W. Post #8820, the Clinton Historical Society, part of the Reunion Committee for LST 859, and the Montrose Community Betterment Club. He enjoyed history and had done extensive researching of his genealogy. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Louis, Howard and Albert; two sisters, Betty Woods and Essie Mae Swindell. Survivors include two sisters, Tessie Parks and husband, Lyman, of Sedalia, and Thelma Shockley of Holden, and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Funeral services were held at Hill & Son Funeral Home, Appleton City, Thursday, October 27, at 11 a.m. Rev. Carl Whitacre and Rev. Clyde Merriman officiated. Burial was in Teays Chapel Cemetery, rural Montrose. Montrose V.F.W. Post #8820 conducted the military service. Memorials are suggested to Teays Chapel Cemetery.