Orlan Eugene Ray, 78, of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away unexpectedly, Saturday (March 8, 2014) at Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville.

The son of Hallie Woodrow and Margaret Ruth (Jackson) Ray, he was born April 17, 1935 in Green Castle, Missouri. On August 5, 1958 in Green Castle, Missouri, Orlan was united in marriage to Iona Jane Rowland.

Orlan is survived by his wife Jane of fifty-five years; one son and daughter-in-law, James and Valerie Ray of Macon, MO; six sisters and four brothers-in-law, Selma and Gerald Davis of Novelty, MO, Kay and Clifford Hays of Oak Grove, MO, Mary Lou Pope of Novinger, MO, Connie and Spencer Berry of Kirksville, MO, Judy Harden of Kirksville, MO and Margaret and Denny Hayward of Kansas City, MO; two grandchildren, Mitchell and Wesley Ray both of Macon, MO, and his sister-in-law, Carolyn Ray of Novinger, MO.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Glen Dale Ray, and two brothers-in-law, Larry harden and Bobby Pope.

Orlan was raised in Green Castle, Missouri, and received his education in the Green Castle public schools. He worked at Florsheim Shoe Factory a number of years until going to work for Churchill Truck Lines where he was employed twenty-five years until his retirement in 1994.

Orlan enjoyed quail hunting, gardening and yard work, but most of all he loved time spent with his family and grandchildren, whom he loved so much.

He was a life member of V.F.W. and attended the Illinois Bend Church.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Tuesday (March 11, 2014) at Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville, with Pastor John Davison officiating. Interment will follow the service at Green Castle Cemetery in Green Castle.

Family will receive friends on Tuesday (March 11, 2014) from noon until service time at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Greg Hays, Marty Pope, Chad Crooks, Tracy Ray, Ryan Berry and Michael Harden.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of Orlan Ray may be made to the Green Castle Cemetery. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.