Ray Edwin Reis

Ray Edwin Reis, 79, Nevada, passed away on Wednesday, March 24, 2010, at his home in Nevada. He was born on June 30, 1930, in Joplin, Mo., to Ray and Edna Markham Reis. He married Betty J. Shumaker on Nov. 20, 1949, in Carl Junction, Mo., and she survives of the home.

Ray graduated from Carl Junction High School in 1948 and received the American Farmer's Award that same year. Ray farmed for several years and then in 1951 began working for Missouri Department of Transportation in Joplin and later in Nevada in 1960. He worked in the maintenance department and later as a mechanic, retiring after 41 years in 1992. Ray was a self-taught cabinet maker. He built three grandfather clocks following his retirement. He was an avid fisherman and hunter. He and his wife enjoyed traveling throughout the United States.

Survivors in addition to his wife Betty, include three children, Rebecca Potter, Eudora, Kan., Patricia Gammon and her husband Dennis, Eldon, Mo., and Larry Ray Reis and his wife Jeanie, McComb, Ohio; three grandchildren, Staff Sgt. Jason Reis, U.S. Marine Corps and his wife Shawna, Crystal Gammon, New York, N.Y., and Kelly Gammon, Ft. Myers, Fla., and one brother, Paul I. Reis and his wife Lynne, Lake Jackson, Texas, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one sister, Betty Jo Ann Reis. Friends may call now and until the hour of service.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 27, at Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada. Interment will follow in Newton Burial Park, Nevada.

Friends may call now and until the hour of service at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the American Diabetes Association in care of Ferry Funeral Home, 301 S. Washington, Nevada, MO 64772

View obituary and send condolences on line at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.