Ray Donald Fitterling

Ray Donald Fitterling, 92, passed away peacefully on November 16, 2025, at his home in West Columbia, TX. He was born on February 20, 1933, in Johnson County, Missouri to Raymond and Minnie (Shier) Fitterling. He married Shirley (Allworth) in September, 1956. They recently celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary.

He spent most of his life in Missouri where he graduated from College High in Warrensburg. He graduated college from CMSC, now UCM; with a BS and MS in Education. Ray spent his career in the public school system with most of his years spent teaching and coaching in Odessa, Missouri. His former students and players always commented that he cared for every student making sure they had a path for success outside of high school whether that was college, a trade or the military. He was drafted and served in the Army during the Korean War from 1953-1955. He stayed on as a Reservist until 1961.

After retirement from the public school system in 1990, they built a home on the families Century Farm in Warrensburg where Ray then proudly served as Johnson County Presiding Commissioner from 1994 to 2002. Ray was instrumental in getting a Veteran's home built in Warrensburg. He was a member of the First Christian Church in Warrensburg and the American Legion. He also enjoyed playing golf and looked forward to leagues at Keth with his friends. Ray and Shirley were able to travel to Australia and Thailand in their retirement.

In 2021, Ray and Shirley moved to West Columbia, Texas to be closer to their daughter, granddaughter and great-grandchildren. He loved getting to watch them every day.

Ray loved living on the farm, he raised cattle and had many bountiful gardens. He also loved sports, from his time playing then coaching to cheering for the Royals, Chiefs, UCM Mules/Jennies and Mizzou Tigers. Most of all he loved spending time with his family who he was so very proud of. He was always a very hard worker and taught his family to work hard and play harder.

He is proceeded in death by his parents: Raymond and Minnie, older brother Myron J. Fitterling and sister-in-law Jo Ann Fitterling.

He is survived by his wife Shirley, his brother John R. Fitterling, sister-in-law Joan Fitterling, his children James R. Fitterling (Alex Lee), Julie A. Fitterling, his granddaughter Lauren Gutierrez (Michael) and great-grandchildren Nickolai, Juliet and Charlie Ray Gutierrez.

A visitation will be held at Sweeney-Phillips & Holdren Funeral Home in Warrensburg Missouri on December 6, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. with a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. with Seth Petsch officiating.

In lieu of flowers the family kindly requests donations be made to: Tunnels to Towers c/o https://t2t.org/fundraising-resources/