Ray H. Kesner

Ray Kesner, 88, passed peacefully from this earth to his heavenly home on April 12, 2025. Ray was born on November 23rd, 1936 in Greenwood Arkansas to William (Bill) Kesner and Connie Kesner (Harris).

Ray graduated from Ouachita Baptist University. Ray married Kathleen Daniels in 1955. While attending Ouachita, Ray & Kathleen gave birth to their first son, Max. During this time, Ray taught school in Tinsman, Arkansas and also pastored at Faith Baptist Chapel. After graduation, the family moved to Fort Smith, Arkansas where daughter, Carolyn Sue, was born. The family moved to Boonville, Arkansas where Ray pastored at Glendale Baptist Church and taught English at the Boonville High School. After that, Ray pastored at Brush Creek Baptist Church near Springdale, Arkansas. During this time, son, Jeff, was born. Ray then pastored at First Baptist Church, in Braymer, Missouri while earning his Masters of Divinity at Midwestern Baptist Seminary. Another son, Stephen, followed after their move to Independence, Missouri where Ray pastored at Mount Washington Baptist Church. Ray then pastored at Tower View Baptist Church while also earning his Doctor of Ministry. Ray then served several years at Midwestern Baptist Seminary before retiring, but continued his family counseling services that he had been providing for several years. He also served for a time as interim pastor at First Baptist Church in Smithville, Missouri.

Ray’s family and friends remember him as a kind and sensitive man who chose to believe in the goodness and kindness in people. As a father, minister, and counselor, his life was dedicated to serving the Lord and helping others. Ray enjoyed spending time with his family and his Basset Hound, Buddy. He also enjoyed reading, camping, and playing the banjo. Ray was a dedicated member of the Second Baptist Church in Liberty, Missouri.

Ray is preceded in death by his parents, Bill & Connie Kesner; daughter, Carolyn Sue; sister, Billie Clopton; brothers, Burice and CW Kesner; father-in-law, Clarence Daniels; and mother-in-law, Bea Daniels.

Ray is survived by his wife, Kathleen; children, Max (Kathy), Jeff (Donna), and Stephen (Kristy); grandchildren, Ryan (Amanda), Justin (Lana), Paige Kesner, Zach Kesner, and Ian Kesner; great-grandchildren, Ella Kesner, Easton Kesner, and Leliana Mejia; sisters, Lucille Sandifer and Janie Young; sister-in-law Jackie (Joe); as well as many nieces and nephews, and his dog, Buddy.

The family would like to thank the many wonderful caregivers who helped care for Ray as he reached the end of his life’s journey. The staff and nurses at Linden Woods Village, the staff at Addington Place of Shoal Creek, and his care team at Luminos Hospice Care. These wonderful people became part of Ray and Kathleen’s adopted family over these last few months.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Ray's name to the Student Fund at Second Baptist Church. Donations accepted via mail or website: 300 E Kansas St, Liberty, MO 64069

https://secure.myvanco.com/L-Z33M/campaign/C-11YM6

A visitation will occur Thursday, April 17, 2025 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at Second Baptist Church, 300 E Kansas St, Liberty, MO 64068. A funeral service for Ray will be held Friday, April 18, 2025 at 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Second Baptist Church, followed by a graveside service at White Chapel Cemetery, 6600 NE Antioch Rd, Gladstone, MO 64119.

Services will be available for livestream

via YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCW4yW5uVsZQQwUkFwcEgvqQ

via Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2bcliberty/videos?ref=page_internal