Ernest 'Ray' Souder

Ernest “Ray” Souder, son of the late Guy and Thelma Mae (Shannon) Souder, was born on December 26, 1931 in Vanzant, Missouri and departed this life on June 29, 2010 in the Texas County Memorial Hospital in Houston, Missouri, following a short illness. He was 78 years, 6 months and 3 days of age.
Ray grew up in California in the San Joaquin Valley area and graduated from Delano High School in 1950. He was united in marriage to Joyce Scherer on April 21, 1951 in Mtn. Home, Arkansas. Three children were born to this union. He served his country in the United States Navy and was honorably discharged on August 7, 1959.
Following his discharge, Ray and his father worked in construction for many years in California. He moved from California and returned to Douglas County to begin farming in which he continued until his passing.
Ray enjoyed being outdoors, especially when deer hunting. He also liked the game of softball, which he played until he was 42 years of age. He was an avid baseball fan and he liked to listen to bluegrass music in his spare time.
Ray was a kind and caring husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He enjoyed visiting with his many friends and family.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife: Joyce Souder in 2003.
He is survived by his two sons: Jim and Marian Souder and Stephen Wayne and Gina Souder, all of Mtn. Grove; one daughter: Jeanette Souder of Sacremento, California; one brother: Max Souder of Bakersfield, California; four granddaughters: Jennifer Souder, Julie Voyles, Jessica Majorahn, and Scarlettt Crawford; five great-grandchildren: Lauren, Sarah and Anna Voyles, and Tori and Dominic Majorahn; and other relatives, neighbors and friends who will miss him very much.


Funeral Service:
Tuesday, July 6, 2010 at 2:00 PM in the Craig-Hurtt Chapel.
Visitation:
Monday, July 5, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM in the funeral home.
Burial:
Hillcrest Cemetery with full Military Honors
Memorial Contributions:
Vanzant Cemetery or Denlow Cemetery c/o the funeral home.