Ron D Raymer

Ron Raymer, 74, of Raytown, MO and Mission, TX, entered this life on July 23, 1943, in Warsaw, MO. He grew up in the small Ozark town of Climax Springs, MO and graduated from Climax Springs High School in 1961.

Being of much greater importance to Ron was his second birth. On April 26th he celebrated with personal reflection and celebration his 60th spiritual birthday. Because of his acceptance of God’s great grace and priceless gift of Eternal Life through the redeeming work of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, his faith was made sight mid-morning on Tuesday, May 8, 2018, as he was escorted suddenly and unexpectedly into the presence of his Lord and his Eternal home.

Ron was multitalented and was a good steward of all the gifts endowed to him. He used his talents and gifts to serve others and to glorify his Lord.

When stricken with rheumatic fever as a young teen, Ron realized God took him through those days to begin developing his art talent and recognize his need for God in his life. His art talents lead to his 37-year career at Hallmark Cards as a engraver. His art has included baptismal murals for churches, painting, embossing, engraving, wood carving, instrument customization, and more. Ron’s work has received some high acclaim.

His art is part of the collection at The Truman Presidential Library, The Ralph Foster Museum, College of the Ozark, The Smithsonian, American Banjo Museum, Musical Instrument Museum, American Jazz Museum, NYC Fire Fighters’ Museum (9-11 cow), and Nuevo Santander Gallery (McAllen, TX). Special works included 2 Kansas City Cow Parade cows, several first-day issue for USPS stamp first day covers, covers for Winston Churchill, Harry S Turman, and Charlie Parker; celebrity instruments, Fort Scott historical museum displays, 38 Rockhurst Executive Fellows class caricatures, White House Christmas cards for several Presidents, Some of his works can be viewed online at www.RaymerStudio.com

Music has always been a part of his life. His joy was playing in jam sessions first with his father, uncles, and family and then later with his many bluegrass friends. Music was also part of his ministry. As a youth director, he organized teens to worship and serve through music. He was a song writer for more than 50 years, writing spiritual and sentimental songs. In retirement, he and Arrena performed his songs at many senior citizen centers and churches both here in the Kansas City metro and South Texas. Ron has recorded over 25 CDs, primarily original songs he wrote.

Ron had the gift of teaching. From early adulthood, he taught Sunday School—first to 6th grade boys, then teens and later as an adult Sunday School teacher for 40 years. At Hallmark Cards, he mentored and taught workshops for fellow artists. He was a great communicator of the Word of God and assisted in writing several devotionals. This past winter was his third year as lead teacher/pastor at Sunlight Church, McAllen, Texas.

Ron leaves a legacy of lives touched—family, friends, church members, classmates, work associates, neighbors—who all will greatly miss him. Family was important to him. He leaves his helper and love of his life of 54.75 years, Arrena.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Evin and Helen Raymer; his brother, Donald; his sisters, Darlene Raymer Mauss and Dorothy Raymer Husong. He is survived by his wife, Arrena Mills Raymer, brothers James “Harold” Raymer (Bernice), of Springfield, MO and Vernon Raymer (Margaret), of Raymore, MO; his children, Jennifer Raymer Lawson (David), of Independence, MO, Marrena Raymer Ralph (Rusty), of Blue Springs, Ronald Raymer II, Concord, NC, and Russell Raymer (Debbie), Guadalupe, Nuevo Leon, Mexico; Grandchildren, Crystal Lawson, Jarid & Lindsay Lawson, Paul & Susan Ralph, Lynnae & Alex Andersen, Timothy & Alyssa Ralph, Craig & Emily Lawson, Peter & Amber Ralph, Andrew Ralph, Arrena Ralph, Ronald Raymer III, Elliott Raymer, Helena Raymer, Carena Raymer; Great-grandchilden, Aaden, Summer, Isabelle, Cooper, Xander, Makenna, Baby Lawson, Baby Ralph; many cousins, nieces, and nephews; and his loving church family.

A life well-lived. A faithful servant of God.

In lieu of flower, the family requests donations to OREMUNDO Inc and The Gideons International.