Paul Gray Obituary
He was born December 30, 1943, in San Jose, California, to Eldridge and Thelma (Western) Gray. On December 27, 1965, he married Katherine Deanna Wood, and together they shared 59 years of marriage.
From 1965–2016, Paul devoted himself fully to every aspect of his life. He earned a Master's degree in Psychology in 1986 and served as a mental health counselor until his retirement in 2016, all while faithfully fulfilling his calling in the ministry. Over 45 years of ministry, he served seven congregations in Missouri and Kansas, touching countless lives with his compassion, guidance, and faith. The Scripture Ecclesiastes 9:10 says, "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might," and Paul lived this truth every day.
Paul also had a love for learning and creativity. He enjoyed reading, history, gardening, flowers, and design work, bringing beauty and thoughtfulness to all he did. He was a devoted member of First Baptist Church, where his quiet faith and steadfast presence left a lasting impression.
He is survived by his children: Stephen (Carol) Gray, Suzanne Gray, Philip Gray, and Jonathan (Sarah) Gray; grandchildren: Emily Thompson, Nicholas Gastineau, John Gray, and David Gray; great-grandchildren: Aria, Finn, and Harrison; and his sister, Bonnie Gray. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Dale Gray.
Visitation will be held Friday, September 26, 2025, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church, Neosho, with funeral services following at 1:30 p.m. Burial will take place at Neosho IOOF Cemetery.
Paul will be remembered for his kind spirit, unwavering devotion to faith, family, and service, and his ability to balance work, ministry, and life with love and integrity. His legacy of compassion, wisdom, and creativity will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Services under the personal care and direction of Clark Funeral Homes.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Paul David Gray, please click here to visit our sympathy store.
Memorial Donation
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
1 Entry
Debbie Van Wie
September 24, 2025
Katherine and family,
It saddens me to read this about Paul´s passing. He was always so gentle of spirit and kind to me. He would always listen and never judged, when I would share things with him. I enjoyed his presence and knew I could trust him. I was blessed to have met him!
I will offer prayers for you, Katherine, as you grieve your Paul´s passing to Jesus.
With blessings,
Debbie Van Wie
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results
312 S. Wood St., Neosho, MO 64850
Make a Donation
in Paul Gray's name
People and places connected with Paul
Recent Obituaries
How to support Paul's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Paul Gray's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
