Arthur "Art" Lee Ray

Arthur Lee (Art) Ray was a kind, loving man and a good friend, a great father and the "Best Pa Ever!" Admired by many for his strength, courage, and his charming, friendly personality, he could always put a smile on anyone’s face.

After battling cancer for five months, he passed away at home on Wednesday, December 24, 2014 at 6:00 p.m., surrounded by loved ones: his wife, Inez, his two children, Brandon and Tara, and his daughter-in-law, Michelle.

Born in Lawrence, Kansas, March 11, 1945, he served in the U.S. Army, graduated from Adams State College in Alamosa, Colorado, with a BA and MA. He lived in Colorado, Nebraska, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, and Arkansas. He was involved in his parish church, a volunteer in In His Footsteps, an active member of the Knights of Columbus. Art received many awards, including Knight of the Year and Outstanding Young Men of America.

Preceded in death by his parents, William Arthur and Louella Ray, he will be mourned by those who remain: wife, Inez; son, Brandon Ray (Michelle); daughter, Tara Banks; grandchildren, Kyle Ray, Madelynn and Braxton Banks, Austen and Ashtynn Neill; his loving brothers, Gerald Ray (Linda); Eugene Ray (Cheryl), numerous uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews, and brothers/sisters-in-law.

Visitation is Tuesday, December 30, 2014, 4-6 p.m., Emerson Funeral Home, followed by the Rosary. Funeral Mass is Wednesday, December 31, 2014, 10:00 a.m., Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Interment is at Holy Cross Cemetery. Funeral luncheon follows at Blessed Sacrament Parish Hall.

In lieu of flowers, Art requested that donations be made to Blessed Sacrament Catholic School Scholarship Fund.