Raymond Markley Obituary

Raymond Eugene "Ray" Markley, age 72, of Warrensburg, MO, passed away Tuesday, April 30, 2024.
Ray was born October 18, 1951, in Warrensburg, the son of Cleo Joseph and Cledys Louise (Beard) Markley. He graduated from Warrensburg High School in 1969. He attended UCM for one year before enlisting in the National Guard. Next, Ray began working for the Gas Service (later Kansas Power and Light) of Warrensburg. Ray worked many years for Oliver Oil Company (later Saco) of Centerview. Until retirement, he worked for the Johnson County Road and Bridge Department in Warrensburg. Ray enjoyed farming and owned and operated Markley Angus Ranch for over thirty years. Ray's hobbies included bowling, playing cards, mushroom hunting, and fishing.
On June 11, 1971, Ray and Mary Jane Austin were united in marriage at the UCM Chapel in Warrensburg. He and Mary were high school sweethearts and soulmates. He was a devoted husband who cherished every minute of the nearly 53 years he spent with his adoring bride, his queen. His unwavering love and support were evident in every aspect of their life together, from their shared adventures to their quiet moments at home.
His dedication to Mary was a testament to the depth of his character and the model of what his daughters wanted and expected their future husbands to be. Ray was not only a devoted husband, but a devoted son, father, brother, uncle, friend, neighbor, Cougar Fan, and grandfather. The title of "Papa" was certainly his most coveted and valued role. Ray lived for his family and his four beautiful grandchildren. They were the light of his life. From cheering on his grandsons at football, basketball, and baseball games, livestock shows, trap shoots, and pedal tractor pulls, to attending every dance recital, competition, or theatric performance of his only granddaughter, he did it all. Everyone within his range would know "That's my grandson out there" or"Watch my granddaughter. She is a real dinger up there." He loved taking them fishing, hunting, and to his beautiful lake spot. Ray loved providing for his family by cooking big breakfasts, grilling steaks, smoking meats, steaming crab legs, and frying crappie.
Ray lived his life through service to others. He was known for his generosity, big smile, contagious laugh, and huge heart. He did not know a stranger and every day put others before himself. It is often said he would give the shirt off his back to help someone else.
Ray is survived by his wife, Mary Markley, of Warrensburg; his daughters, Melissa (Bryan) Livengood, of Warrensburg, and Tracy (Clint) Shippy, of Centerview; his grandchildren, Tyler (Peyton) Livengood, of Warrensburg, Austin Livengood (and his girlfriend, Kailey Narron), of Warrensburg, Cabe Shippy, of Centerview, and Maddie Shippy, of Centerview; his mother, Cledys Markley, of Warrensburg; his siblings, Charles (Renee) Markley, of Loch Lloyd, Dennis (Cathy) Markley, of Platte City, Diana (Mark) Holdinghausen, of Washington, Susan (Chris) Urie, of Wheatland, and Ron (Tina) Markley, of Pleasant Hill; his sisters-in-law, Karol Katz of Kansas City and Janis Barker of Kansas City; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Cleo Markley; his brother-in-law, Wayne Katz; his father-in-law, Woody Austin; and mother-in law, Elsie Austin.
Memorial services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at Milestones Barn north of Warrensburg. A celebration of life will be from 4:30 to 7 PM.
To honor his memory and his legacy, there is a memorial fund to benefit his grandchildren and future great-grandchildren. The money raised will be shared among them and used for their education and training, sports, livestock projects, fishing trips, dance, and other interests. The vision is they may receive a surprise gift from their Papa as long as possible so they can feel his presence and love. This fund is a way to keep Ray's memory alive and celebrate his impact on others. It is also a way to help his grandchildren achieve their goals and pursue their happiness. Papa Ray would be so proud of them and happy to see them grow and thrive. Contributions are suggested to the Ray of Sunshine Memorial Fund and left in the care of Sweeney-Phillips & Holdren Funeral Home.