1930
Elza
2021
Elza Raymond Ledford
June 23, 1930 — August 26, 2021
Elza Raymond “Ray” Ledford, 91, of Odessa, Missouri passed away on Thursday, August 26, 2021, at Centerpoint Medical Center in Independence, Missouri.
The family will host an inurnment with Military Honors on Friday, October 8, 2021, at 3:00 p.m. at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, 20109 Business Hwy 13, Higginsville, MO, 64037. The family will hold a dinner at 4:30 p.m., at Calvary Baptist Church, 7995 Outer Rd, Odessa, MO, 64076. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Special Olympics, and may be left in care of Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home, 306 S. 2nd Street, Odessa, MO, 64076, 816-633-5524. Memories of Ray and condolences for his family may be left at www.LedfordFamilyFh.com or on our Facebook Page.
Ray was born on June 23, 1930, to Andrew Millard and Flora Ann (Nichols) Ledford in Harlan, Kentucky. He enlisted in the United States Air Force at age 16, serving for 20 years before retiring. While serving in the Military he was stationed overseas in Japan, Turkey, and Iceland. On November 18, 1950, Ray was united in marriage to Coralie Anne McMahon in Ridgeland, South Carolina. She survives of the home. In 1979 Ray along with his wife, Coralie and his son, Bruce, opened L&L Body Shop in Odessa, Missouri. He was a lifetime ordained deacon for Southern Baptist, served as a Sunday School Superintendent, Treasurer, and other positions in the church, and was currently a member of Calvary Baptist Church.
In addition to spending time with family and friends, Ray enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, gardening, cars, carpentry, and spending time with his dog, Tracker. He was a hard-working person who at the age of 13 was a lumberjack for one of his first jobs. Ray was an excellent carpenter and metal worker. He was a loving father and grandfather who enjoyed his time with all of his family. Ray enjoyed a good laugh and hugs from all. His family was very important to him, and he always took good care of everyone. He will be deeply missed by the family.
In addition to his wife of 71 years, Coralie, survivors include five children, Bobbie Jean Dattilo (Mark) of Centerview, MO, Linda Kosman (Wayne) of Lee’s Summit, MO, Veronica Olsen (Wayne) of Odessa, MO, Charlene Nelson (Ken) of Odessa, MO, and Bruce Ledford (Cindy) of Odessa, MO. Also, a sister, Jesse Austin of North Carolina and a brother, Barney Ledford of Georgia; 15 grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren, and four great great grandchildren; and many more relatives and friends.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Melvina Ledford, Carmy Ledford, and Betty Ledford; and his brothers, Garnett Ledford, Enoch Ledford, Clifford Ledford, and Bobbie Ledford.
The family will host an inurnment with Military Honors on Friday, October 8, 2021, at 3:00 p.m. at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, 20109 Business Hwy 13, Higginsville, MO, 64037. The family will hold a dinner at 4:30 p.m., at Calvary Baptist Church, 7995 Outer Rd, Odessa, MO, 64076. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Special Olympics, and may be left in care of Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home, 306 S. 2nd Street, Odessa, MO, 64076, 816-633-5524. Memories of Ray and condolences for his family may be left at www.LedfordFamilyFh.com or on our Facebook Page.
Ray was born on June 23, 1930, to Andrew Millard and Flora Ann (Nichols) Ledford in Harlan, Kentucky. He enlisted in the United States Air Force at age 16, serving for 20 years before retiring. While serving in the Military he was stationed overseas in Japan, Turkey, and Iceland. On November 18, 1950, Ray was united in marriage to Coralie Anne McMahon in Ridgeland, South Carolina. She survives of the home. In 1979 Ray along with his wife, Coralie and his son, Bruce, opened L&L Body Shop in Odessa, Missouri. He was a lifetime ordained deacon for Southern Baptist, served as a Sunday School Superintendent, Treasurer, and other positions in the church, and was currently a member of Calvary Baptist Church.
In addition to spending time with family and friends, Ray enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, gardening, cars, carpentry, and spending time with his dog, Tracker. He was a hard-working person who at the age of 13 was a lumberjack for one of his first jobs. Ray was an excellent carpenter and metal worker. He was a loving father and grandfather who enjoyed his time with all of his family. Ray enjoyed a good laugh and hugs from all. His family was very important to him, and he always took good care of everyone. He will be deeply missed by the family.
In addition to his wife of 71 years, Coralie, survivors include five children, Bobbie Jean Dattilo (Mark) of Centerview, MO, Linda Kosman (Wayne) of Lee’s Summit, MO, Veronica Olsen (Wayne) of Odessa, MO, Charlene Nelson (Ken) of Odessa, MO, and Bruce Ledford (Cindy) of Odessa, MO. Also, a sister, Jesse Austin of North Carolina and a brother, Barney Ledford of Georgia; 15 grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren, and four great great grandchildren; and many more relatives and friends.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Melvina Ledford, Carmy Ledford, and Betty Ledford; and his brothers, Garnett Ledford, Enoch Ledford, Clifford Ledford, and Bobbie Ledford.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Elza Raymond Ledford, please visit our flower store.
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