Ray Prettyman

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Ray Prettyman, age 74, of Diamond, MO passed away early on March 12, 2017 at Freeman West Hospital in Joplin, MO. 

 He was born November 21, 1942 in Casa Grande, AZ. He graduated from Casa Grande Union High School in 1960 and from Northern Arizona University with a BS in Marketing and Accounting in 1965. Ray adored his family and the world revolved around his grandchildren who gave him the name of ‘Poppy’. Ray led a vibrant career in the grocery retail industry, with 20 years with his father at Prettyman’s Markets and 25 years with Albertsons. He also then ran three small businesses of remodeling and flipping houses, a short venture with Minute Man Press and became a realtor in the Phoenix market. After retirement, Ray was active in the community of Diamond, MO. He was the Treasurer of the Diamond Fire Board and managed the Diamond Senior Apartments. He was a Master Mason and active in the Carthage Shrine Train Crew. 

 Ray married Betty Burch on July 18, 1965 in Claypool, AZ and she survives. Also surviving are two children, Darla Gills and husband, Craig of Highlands Ranch, CO and Brian Prettyman and wife, Mandy of Lucas, TX; three grandchildren, Kyle Prettyman and Heather Prettyman, both of Auburn, WA and Corey Gills of Highlands Ranch, CO and two brothers, Tom Prettyman of Joplin, MO and Jim Prettyman of Phoenix, AZ. Ray is preceded in death by his parents, Pat and Alice Prettyman of Casa Grande, AZ and brother, Charles Prettyman of Diamond, MO. 

 A celebration of Ray’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at the First Baptist Church of Diamond with Rev. Ron Crow officiating. The family requests in lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Shrine Children’s Hospital in St. Louis, MO at:
https://secure2.convio.net/shfc/site/Donation2?df_id=4689&4689.donation=form1

Cremation services are under the direction of Clark Funeral Home, Neosho, MO.