Clarence Ray Burns

Clarence “Ray” Ray Burns, 63, of Lexington, Missouri passed away February 24, 2023, at his residence in Lexington, Missouri.

Visitation will be Wednesday, March 1, 2023, from 10:00 am until 11:00 am at Walker-Nadler-Fuller Funeral Home, Lexington, MO.  There will be a graveside service with Military Honors on Wednesday at 11:00 am at the Lexington Memory Gardens Cemetery, Lexington, MO. Memorials may be made out to the Friends of the Friendless. Memories and condolences may be left at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com or on our Facebook page.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Walker-Nadler-Fuller Funeral Home, 1720 South Street, Lexington, Missouri 64067, 660-259-2245.

Ray was born October 21, 1959, to Clarence I. and Aileen (Simmerman) Burns. Ray graduated from Lexington High School, then graduated college with a master’s degree from University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg. Ray proudly served his country by joining the Marines, then the Army National Guard. Ray later pursued his career in law enforcement, where he started in 1985 with the Lexington Police Department (rank of Captain). In 2000, Ray transferred to the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office. Serving with the rank of detective. He retired on December 31, 2021. He also taught criminal justice classes at Wentworth Military Academy College. Ray was part of the Rural Major Case Squad. Along with spending time with family and friends, he enjoyed gambling at the casino, physical fitness and was a huge history buff.

Ray is survived by two sisters; Carolyn Milligan of Lexington, MO, and Pat Ralston of Harrison, AR; one nephew, Tracy Ralston of Harrison, AR; and many relatives, friends, and his law enforcement family.

Ray was preceded in death by both of his parents and one niece, Tammy Lampkin.