Lester Eugene Ray, age 80, of Verona, Missouri, passed away at 10:40 p.m. on Wednesday, October 19, 2022, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri, after a short illness surrounded by his family. He was born July 16, 1942, in Kirbyville, Missouri, the son of Earl and Valorie (Vonwiller) Ray.

Lester was a 1960 graduate of Republic High School in Republic, Missouri and was a United States Army Veteran serving during the Vietnam Era. Lester worked as a supervisor for Syntex in Verona, Missouri, retiring after 30 plus years. He was a member of the Aurora Bass Club, enjoyed fishing, Nascar and car shows. He was Baptized at an early age at the Curtis Chapel Baptist Church in Billings, Missouri.

Lester is survived by two sisters-in-law, Mary Nell Ray, and Joyce Ray both of Billings, Missouri; a special friend, Patricia Hoffman of Ozark, Missouri and a host of beloved nieces, nephews and other family and friends.

Lester was preceded in death by his parents, Earl, and Valorie; sister, Goldie Neil and four brothers, Edwin, Earl Jr., William, and Pat Ray.

A visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 26, 2022, at the Crafton-Cantrell Funeral Home, in Aurora, Missouri. A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 27, 2022, at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Springfield, Missouri.

Memorial donations can be made payable to the donor’s choice, in care of the funeral home.