Raymond (Ray) Sleper

Raymond (Ray) Sleper, 94, of California, Mo., passed away on Monday, March 27, 2017 at the Missouri Veterans Home in Warrensburg, Mo. He was born on September 13, 1922, in Buffalo Center, Iowa, the son of Hugo Sleper and Mina Kuper Sleper, both of whom preceded him in death. Growing up in Iowa, Ray's mother passed while he was only a five-year-old child; he was subsequently raised by his elder sisters. Married on November 10, 1956, at the St. Martins Church in Boonville, Mo., to Dorothy Roth who survives of the home, both Ray and Dorothy celebrated their 60th anniversary last November. He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII on the U.S.S. Bunker Hill and other various ships. Ray's faith was an instrumental part of his life, both personally and professionally. He used his gifts and talents to serve in leadership roles within his church and was a member of the First Baptist Church in California, Mo. Because of his deep commitment to the Lord, he loved serving his family, members of the community and church. He was a diversified farmer specializing in Hampshire and Duroc swine. Upon retirement from a lifetime of farming, he enjoyed reading, walking at Proctor Park, playing billiards and cards for relaxation. Survivors include: two sons, James Ray Sleper and his wife Pamela of The Villages, Fla., Daryl Sleper of Lenexa, Kan., one daughter, Jolene Marie Bodnovich and her husband Robert of Cleveland, Ohio; five grandchildren, Joshua Sleper (Amy), Daniel Sleper, Elizabeth Bodnovich, Justin Bodnovich, and Allison Grace Bodnovich. He is preceded in death by: five sisters, one brother, and one daughter Janice Renee Sleper, who passed on February 7, 1962. Visitation was held on Friday, March 31, 2017, from 4 7 p.m., at the funeral home. Funeral Service was held on Saturday, April 1, 2017, at 10:00 a.m., at the First Baptist Church in California, Mo. Officiated by Mr. Jack Bowlin. Burial was held at the Tipton Masonic Cemetery with Military Honors. Memorials are suggested to The Family of Raymond Sleper c/o the funeral home. Arrangements were under the direction of Bowlin-Cantriel Funeral Services, California, Mo.