Ray L. Patton, 86, of Grain Valley, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 23, 2023 at home with loved ones.
Ray was born August 25, 1936 to Dorothy and Vincil Patton in Vibbard, Missouri. Ray joined the Army in 1953 and served until 1956. During this time, he met his sweetheart, Joan (Westerman) and they were married in September 1956. The couple moved to Excelsior Springs in 1960, where they resided until 2014 and raised two children. In that time, Ray worked for United Super until he went to work for Ford Motor Company in 1961 and retired in 2001. He was a Scout Leader for Troop 313 for many years. Ray loved fishing and watching the Chiefs play and win their third super bowl. He loved traveling with Joan and taking the grandkids on adventures and let’s not forget the fish fries!
Ray was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Hazel Laverne; and his wife, Joan.
Ray is survived by son, Kevin (Jennifer) Patton; daughter, Joanna (Mark) Grote; grandchildren, James (Hayley) Riegel, Timothy Patton, and Abby (Tom) Spence; great grandchildren, JL, Jonathan, Wyatt, and Morgen; sisters, Virginia and Doris Gene; brother-in-law, Doyle Schrader, Jr. (Joyce) Westerman; and Jackie Klotz; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.
A visitation will be held at Bross & Spidle Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs on Thursday, March 9, 2023 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. with a funeral service to follow. Ray will be buried at Mt. Olivet in Wellington, Missouri, following the service. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Traditions Health Hospice Care.
Arrangements in care of Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs.
Our Sincere Condolences
Joanna and family. So sorry to hear of your father’s passing. Prayers and love to you and your family.
Deb McRill
Joanna and Kevin,
I have such fond memories of being at your home growing up. Both of your parents meant a lot to me. I am so sorry for your loss, but rejoice with you knowing they are together again.
Love you guys,
Kathleen (Roe) Schnelle
I met Ray through my wife Sheila. Joan & Sheila worked together at the Daily Standard / Town & Country Leader. What struck me about Ray; was his devotion & love that he had. Not only for his wife Joan, but his entire family. I think the measure of a man is best explained in the love chapter of the Bible. 1st. Corinthians chapter 13. If you’re not familiar with it take a minute & read it. Ray, had my admiration for the person he was & the life he led. Of course, Ray wasn’t perfect. But none of us are! I think Ray exemplified that description of what Love should look like; as explained in that chapter. Especially, love & long suffering. Too love, I believe, includes for all of us, is to sometimes suffer. I don’t think there is an equal when it comes to Ray’s capacity to love. I’ll miss him! I would like to express my deepest sympathies for the entire family. The Lord has received another angel.
Sincerely, with Love, Rick Woods
A life – long relationship since I was 4 years old. I felt like Joanna & I were always together, that she WAS my sister. Ray was always a gentle giant when we were young and let us roam the neighborhood with all the other kids. Ray, you’re now back with Joan after a long journey & I know you will be reunited again.
Kelly Harkins
