Lifetime Joplin resident Harold Ray Putnam, age 86, passed away suddenly Friday, February 15, 2019 at his home. Ray was born March 27, 1932 in Joplin to Marion Wayne Putnam, Sr. and Erma (Price) Putnam. He was raised in the Greenwood Community in southwest Joplin and graduated from Seneca High School in 1950. He married Mary L. Clements on November 6, 1952. Together they had five children. Ray retired in 1997 from Ramsour Distributors as Sales Manager and Route Supervisor.
Ray's greatest joy was his family and he especially loved having all of them together for birthday and holiday celebrations. He enjoyed deer hunting in the Fall and fishing in the Spring and Summer at Grand Lake Ice Box Bluff Resort. He had a great love for vegetable gardening, but only raised tomatoes the last several years. He was most recently an active faithful member of the Joplin First Christian Church. Prior to transferring to First Christian, he was a member of the Greenwood Baptist Church and was baptized there on August 31, 2008.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Mary; two sons: Michael Putnam (Charles Phillips), Brighton, CO; Dennis Putnam (Cari), Joplin; three daughters: Vicky Ralston, Joplin; Patty Putnam, Raytown, MO; and Cherie Merry (Ralph), Sapulpa, OK. Also surviving are seven grandchildren: Amy Faulkner (Chris), Joplin; Andrew Ralston (Hannah), Tulsa, OK; Jason and Blake Putnam, Joplin; Rachel Merry, Midland, TX; Katy and Erin Merry, Sapulpa, OK; and a great granddaughter, Alanna Faulkner, Joplin.
Other survivors are his twin sister Mae Crowder, Albany, GA; and Beryl Putnam (Eileen), Oklahoma City, OK. He was predeceased by his parents and three siblings, Mary Ella Whetstone, Sue Nell Casteel, and Marion Wayne Putnam, Jr.
Services are directed by Mason-Woodward Mortuary. Visitation will be held Wednesday, February 20 from 6-7 p.m. with funeral services on Thursday, February 21 at 1 p.m. at Joplin First Christian Church, 409 W. Fourth St. Memorial contributions are suggested to First Christian Church's building repair fund.
Pallbearers will be Michael, Dennis, Jason, and Blake Putnam, Andrew Ralston, and Ralph Merry.
Arrangements are under the direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory.
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