Raymond Keith Applegate, 77, was born November 18, 1933 in Council Bluffs, Iowa to Ina and Clair Applegate. Harvey Wymore, his step-father, help mold Ray into the wonderful person he became. Ray passed from this life on January 18, 2011 in Springfield, MO.
Following service to the country in the United States Army, Raymond worked as a ink manufacturer and owned an employment agency in TX. He retired to Mansfield, MO to become a "gentlemen farmer".
Left behind, with precious memories, is his wife of 41 years, Dortha Jeter Applegate. Ray had two daughters, Paula Ray Delcore (deceased), Karen Sue Staffins (Gregg) Lawrenville, GA and a grand-daughter he raised as his own, Christine Delcore, Ironton, MO. Step-sons are Ronnie D. Jeter, Phoenix, AZ, Richard D. Jeter (Christine) Ft. Worth, TX, and Randall D. Jeter (deceased) (Anna), Sacramento, CA.
His granchildren are Katelyn McNulty (Kevin), Sarah Jeter, Amy Jeter (Adam) and Craig Overstreet. Ray had a great-grandaughter, Emily Brazee of Magnolia, TX; a beloved niece, Rhonda Sirola (Bryan) of Springfield, MO; and a spiritual daugther, Annette Morgan, of Virginia Beach, VA.
Ray leaves behind a brother, Cecil Applegate (Ester) and step-brother Lavern Wymore (Lela). He is preceeded in death by brothers Neal, Norwin and Delbert.
In planning for this time, Ray specifically requested that in lieu of flowers, any memorials could be made to the Alzheimer's Association.
Visitation on Friday, January 21, 2011 from 1 to 3 with service immediately following at 3 p.m. in Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home, 500 E. Walnut St. Springfield, MO.
Private internment will be Monday in Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Springfield, MO.