Charles "Raymond" Flanary, 82, Archie, MO, died Wednesday, June 7, 2017 at Research Medical Center, Kansas City, MO. Funeral services were held Saturday, June 10 at the First Baptist Church in Archie with burial in Crescent Hill Cemetery in Adrian, MO. Memorial contributions may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (pancan.org).

Raymond was born July 27, 1934 near Everett, Cass County, Missouri, the son of Charles Crockett and Veneta Lucile (Lucus) Flanary. He attended Oak Grove School District 83 and Archie High School. He was a U.S. Army veteran.

Raymond married Mary Ruth Lucas On June 26, 1965, in Lee County, Virginia. Mary Ruth was raised in Lee County, Virginia, in precisely the same area where Raymond's grandfather, Paris Flanary, had been born. Raymond visited his cousins in Virginia often and eventually met Mary Ruth through them. Raymond and Mary Ruth built their farm west of Archie where they still resided.

Raymond worked for General Motors for 30 years before retiring in 1990. He was a member of the UAW Local #93 and a board member of Cass County Water District #12 for 17 years. He was a member and Deacon of the First Baptist Church in Archie serving as a trustee for more than 25 years. His interest in farming and love for John Deere tractors prevailed through the years as he raised milo, soybeans and cattle. Raymond had a great interest in bluegrass music, especially Rhonda Vincent. He loved western movies, family history, and homemade ice cream. He enjoyed traveling, solving crossword puzzles, working with wood and caring for the yard. He was a mechanic, electrician, carpenter and photographer…a jack of all trades. He was not a worrier, complainer, or procrastinator. Paying his bills on time, getting to Church on time, or keeping his word were of great importance to him. His family loved his quick witted sense of humor, and his interest in politics and currents events. He was very patriotic and always spoke of his military service with great pride. He loved his King James Bible, the old traditional hymns, fellowship suppers and his Sunday School Class.

His grandchildren were the joy of his life. He took Zach, Lauren and Bret to Yellowstone and traveled to the ocean with Lily and Ali. The kids shared popcorn, watched Sponge Bob and rode on his lawnmower. He read them scripture and told them stories of his childhood. He was truly a family man.

Raymond is survived by his wife, Mary Ruth, of the home; two daughters, Beth Vela, Kansas City, MO and Alice Flanary, Liberty, MO; one sister, Ruby Campbell, Peculiar, MO; 5 grandchildren, Zach Flanery, Bret Bierle, Lauren Bierle, Ali Vela, Lily Vela.