Raymond "Curly" Ash

Raymond "Curly" Ash, 82, of California, Mo., passed away on Tuesday, October 6, 2020, at Tipton Oak Manor. He was born on January 20, 1938, in Lupus, Mo., the son of George Edwin Ash and Alice Virginia (Galliher) Ash, both of whom preceded him in death. Raymond was a graduate of California High School in 1956. He was united in marriage on April 19, 1957, in Miami, Okla. to Faye (Dick) Ash who preceded him in death on February 28, 2013. Raymond was a member of the Salem Baptist Church and the Oddfellows. He was self-employed as a building contractor and farmer in the California area until his retirement in January of 2000. Raymond was an avid race fan and drove a race car for several years at several of the area tracks. He loved being outdoors and spent much of his time farming and hunting. He also enjoyed coaching his children's softball and baseball teams, and he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and watching Cardinals baseball and MU basketball. Survivors include two daughters, Linda Richards and her husband Paul of Louisburg, Kan., Glenda Miller and her husband Tom of California, Mo.; five sons, Ron Ash and his wife Leslie of California, Mo., Lanny Ash and his wife Ellen of California, Mo., Brian Ash and his wife Beth of California, Mo., Craig Ash and his wife Shelly of California, Mo., Michael Ash and his wife Julia of Columbia, Mo.; 15 grandchildren, Jami Kiesling (Andrew) of California, Mo., Tyler Ash (Kaley) of California, Mo., Stephanie Maddox (Heath) of Gainsville, Mo., Jacob Ash of St. Louis, Mo., Lucas Ash of California, Mo., Dylan Ash (Jasmine) of Camp Lejeune, N.C., Isaac Ash of California, Mo., Elizabeth Ash of California, Mo., Brayden Ash of California, Mo., Carson Ash of California, Mo., Sara Nelson of Columbia, Mo., Alexis Ash of Columbia, Mo., Lillian Ash of Columbia, Mo., Emery Ash of Columbia, Mo., Dallas Richards of Kansas City, Kan.; Brad Miller (Christina) of California, Mo.; 10 great-grandchildren; one sister, Bonnie James of St. Louis, Mo.; one brother, George Ash and brother-in-law, Lee Dick (Candace) of Virginia. A graveside service was held on Saturday, October 10, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. at the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery north of California, Mo. with burial following. Officiating was Rev. Jeremy Anderson. Memorials are suggested to the First Baptist Church of California c/o the funeral home. Arrangements are under the direction of Bowlin-Cantriel Funeral Services, 100 S. Oak St., California, Mo.