Ray D. Combs

On the evening of Thursday, December 28, 2023, Ray Dean Combs left his earthly home to be reunited with the love of his life. It seems he chose her birthday to see her again.

On November 28, 1935, Ray Dean was born in Syracuse, MO at the family home to Charley and Sarah (McNeal) Combs.  He was married to Mary Ruth Mittelhauser August 11, 1957, who preceded him in death December 14^th, 2022.

Ray was a 1953 graduate of Tipton High School.  After graduation he moved to Sedalia, MO where he lived with the Christian family while he was working at Meadow Gold Dairy.  He and Mary Ruth bought their home before their marriage in 1957 and the couple resided there for the rest of their lives.  In 1958 he was drafted during the Korean Conflict.  After basic training he was sent to Fort Lewis Washington and during this time their eldest daughter, Christy, was born.  He was honorably discharged in 1960 and returned to Sedalia and continued working for Meadow Gold until 1986.  Shortly after leaving Meadow Gold, he started working for Ham Hill Farms in Marshall, MO.  He continued working there until 2002 before finally retiring.  He then focused his time on helping on the family farm.  Ray was obviously a dedicated man and worked hard to provide for his family.

When he wasn’t working Ray and Mary Ruth loved spending time with their family and large circle of friends.  They enjoyed playing cards, weekend getaways to Branson, going to Starlight Theater, attending grandchildren's activities and whatever other fun opportunities came up.  He served on the Dresden R XII school board while his children attended there.  He was also a lifetime member and Deacon of First Christian Church where he served in various capacities, and enjoyed attending Bethany Sunday School Class.  

Surviving are four children all of Sedalia:  Christy Goodman (Mickey); Kevin (Loletta); Kenneth (Terri) and Carla Curry (Bill).  Six grandchildren:  Nicholas (Lindsey) of Martin, TN; Jacelyn Hejtmanek (Kyle) of Kansas City, MO; Miles (Lindsey) Curry of Sedalia, Mitchel Curry (Cord Cannon) of Lee’s Summit; Macie Curry of Sedalia and McCade Curry of Sedalia; and 4 great-grandchildren; a brother Jack Combs (Pam) of Neosho, MO: a sister in law Juanita Combs of Brandon, MS; a sister in law Donna Ray of Ballwin, MO; a brother-in-law, Carl Mittelhauser (Crystal) of Cocoa, FL; along with several nieces and nephews.  

Ray was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mary Ruth; his brother Charles and his sister Linda Homan.

Ray was a friend to many.  In his later years he especially enjoyed his friends that he played Dominos with on Wednesday night at the Reed Center.

The family would like to express their love and appreciation to his team of caregivers.  They were the best and truly cared for Ray as if he was their own – he felt the same about them.  

Visitation will be at Heckart Funeral Home, Sedalia, MO on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024, from 5:00 pm to 7:30 p.m. The funeral service will be Wednesday, January 3^rd, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at First Christian Church with burial following at Memorial Park. The family suggests donations to the church. Arrangements are under Heckart Funeral Home.