Raymond "Ray" Parker

Raymond "Ray" Parker, age 85, passed away peacefully on , December 2, 2025, in Overland Park, Kansas. Born on April 12, 1940, in Helena, Missouri, Ray lived a full and meaningful life marked by dedication to family, hard work, and a passion for the things he loved.

Ray graduated from Benton High School in 1958 and went on to further his education at Hillyard Technical College. His strong work ethic led him through a diverse and industrious career. He began working at Rainbow Bread before moving on to Gray Manufacturing, where he eventually retired. Even after retirement, Ray continued to stay active in the workforce enjoying being a dealer at the St. Joseph Frontier Casino.

A devoted husband and father, Ray is survived by his beloved wife Monica (Lade) Parker. Together they built a life centered around love and family. He leaves behind four children: Kerry Lewis (wife Stella), Debra Parker Oliver, Brian Parker (wife Angela), and Robin Lewis (wife Barbara). His legacy continues through his grandchildren-Racheal Atkinson, Kassi C. Lewis, Jessica Maisuria Parker Oliver, Rebecca Daniels, Christina Schoenlaub, Christopher Parker, Sarah Parker Heitz, Tyler Lewis, Benjamin Lewis, and Abigail Lewis-and ten great-grandchildren who brought him immense joy. Calli, Meisha, Inara, Oliver, Parker, Owen, Josephine, Parker, Theodore, Penelope

Ray also leaves behind his brother Larry Parker and sister Anna Mae Reasy and brother in law Larry Lade and sister in law Brenda Lade. He was preceded in death by his parents JR Parker and Edith Parker.

Ray was a man of many interests. A dedicated gun collector with an eye for detail and history, he also found joy in traveling to new places and tending to his garden with care. His faith was an important part of his life; he was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church.

Those who knew Ray will remember him as a loving husband and father whose twinkling blue eyes and smile could light up any room. His warmth and presence will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him and continue to inspire love and kindness in the lives he touched. A Funeral will be held on December 6, 2026, at 1:00 PM at St Paul Lutheran Church 4715 Frederick Ave, St. Joseph, Missouri. Family requests gifts to St. Paul Luteran Church in lieu of flowers.