Donald Lee “Ferd” Ray, 87, of Fairfax, Missouri, passed away on October, 24, 2018, at Community Hospital-Fairfax surrounded by family. He was born August 7, 1931, to Clara Marie (Biggs) and R. Don Ray of Fairfax.

He graduated from Fairfax High School in 1949 and worked several jobs in the area after graduation. He was drafted into the Army in 1952 during the Korean War and was stationed in Worms, Germany, for two years of service. He was employed by St. Joseph Light and Power Company after his return from service and worked there for 36 years until taking retirement.

Ferd was a respected member of the Fairfax Baptist Church. He was baptized in 1949 and served in many capacities for the church including deacon (27 years, 13 as chairman of deacons), Sunday School superintendent and numerous committees. He was extremely faithful in his service to the church and especially to his Lord and Savior. He was an active member and past president of the Fairfax Kiwanis Club. Ferd also served a period of time as an alderman for the City of Fairfax.

Ferd was united in marriage to Leona M. Davenport of Fairfax on June 19, 1955. Together they raised two sons, Morris and Roger. Four grandchildren and a great-grandchild were added to the family, creating great joy and pride for Grandpa Ferd.

He had four great loves in his life. The three most important loves to Ferd were his Lord, Leona, and his family. His other passion was golf. He was well-known in the area for his prowess on the golf course. Ferd made many friends and acquaintances over the years, while leaving his footprints all over the area. He missed playing golf in his later years but most of all he missed the competition and the friends he had made along the way.

Ferd was preceded in death by his parents; his loving stepmother, Margaret (Dunkelberger) Ray; and his grandparents, Nick and Edna Ray, Norma Biggs, and Earl and Mamie Dunkelberger.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Leona; sons, Morris (Toni) Ray of Fairfax and Roger (Jill) Ray of Olathe, Kansas; grandchildren, Tanton (Shannon) Ray of Fairfax, Mitchel (Lauren) Ray of Olathe, Kansas, Tyler Ray of Olathe, Kansas, and Tristan (Baylee) Ray of Fairfax; great-grandson, Emmett Ray; brother, Frank (Phyllis) Ray of Johnson City, Tennessee; sister-in-law, Joyce Springer of Tarkio, Missouri; nephews and nieces, Curtis (Gail) Hedrick of Tarkio, Craig (Diana) Hedrick of Platte City, Missouri, Suzanne (John) Marriott of Aurora, Colorado; and three grand-nieces.

Funeral services were held at the Fairfax Baptist Church of Fairfax, Missouri, on Saturday, October 27. Burial was held at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, Fairfax.

Memorials may be given to the Fairfax Baptist Church Remodel Fund, the American Diabetes Association, or the National Parkinson’s Foundation.

Arrangements were under the direction of Schooler Funeral Home, Fairfax/Craig.