Ray Paul Jarrett

Ray Jarrett, 75, passed peacefully on October 10, 2023 from complications of multiple strokes.
Ray was born on March 13, 1948 in Waterloo, Iowa. He grew up in Evansdale, Iowa and was the only child of Harold and Evelyn Jarrett.
He met his future wife Bonnie while attending the wedding of one of his cousins and they began dating soon after. Ray and Bonnie were married on June 12, 1971. Their children, Lora and Paul, were born in Waterloo and the family remained there for 18 years.
Ray attended Hawkeye Tech after high school and worked in the safety department at the John Deere plant in Waterloo. He completed his Bachelor of Applied Science degree at Wartburg College in 1992 while he continued working full time. He was later transferred to the John Deere plant in Ottumwa, Iowa where he worked as the safety director. He worked there for 12 years until his retirement in 2001.
Ray was very active in the various churches he attended throughout his life. He sang in the choir with Bonnie in Waterloo and, wherever they lived, he could always be counted on to pitch in when any church projects needed doing.
While living in Ottumwa, he was active as a Mason, and he eventually became Master of Lodge 16. He loved helping the community via his Masonic work and many a Christmas was spent serving and delivering food to families in need.
Ray and Bonnie retired to Columbia, Missouri in 2001 so they could babysit their grandchildren. While living in Columbia, Ray worked with an auto auction and later at the O'Reilly's Auto Parts store.
Ray is survived by his children Lora Perkinson and Paul Jarrett, his sister-in-law Dixie Heiser, his grandchildren Lacy Sipes, Justin Perkinson, and Jocelyn Perkinson, and by his six great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held at the Hampton Inn in Ottumwa, IA on November 4th from 4-6pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Crossing Church 3615 Southland Dr, Columbia, MO 65201.
Arrangements are under the direction of Parker-Millard Funeral Service & Crematory, 12 East Ash Street, Columbia, MO 65203 (573) 449-4153. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.parkermillard.com