Ray Jasper

Ray J. Jasper, 82, of Centertown, died Friday, September 24, 2010, at his home. He was born April 16, 1928, in Cole County, the son of Lemuel L. and Josephine J. Hirschvogel Jasper. He was a 1946 graduate of Russellville High School. Ray served in the United States Army in Korea during the Korean War. Ray was married January 31, 1953, to Jessie Mildred Harrison, who preceded him in death on July 15, 1993. On May 14, 1994, he was married to Zelma G. Spratley, who preceded him in death. On April 10, 2005, Ray was married to Billye Sue Murphy, who survives at their home. In 1965, Ray went to work for the United States Postal Service, working 12 years as a clerk in Jefferson City before becoming Postmaster in Cedar City until his retirement in 1988. He was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion and was a Golden Eagle with the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 2693. He also volunteered with the American Red Cross and Hospice of Jefferson City and Mid-Missouri. Other survivors include one son, Danny Ray Jasper and wife Janet of Russellville; two grandchildren, Carissa Jasper and companion Tanya Sauter of Gladstone, and Spencer Jasper of Russellville; one sister, Mildred M. Murphy of Russellville; two step-sons, Michael Murphy and wife Julie of Yoder, Wyoming, and Patrick Murphy and wife Penny of Jefferson City; nine step-grandchildren, Josh Murphy of St. Louis, Jordan Murphy and wife Sara of Branson, Emma Murphy of Cheyenne, Wyoming, Kate Hanch and husband Steve of Kansas City, Maggie Murphy of St. Louis, James Murphy of St. Louis, Hope Berhorst and husband Jerry of Holts Summit, Bill Sauter and companion Robyn Bradbury of Jefferson City, and Wendy Skaggs and husband Mike of Jefferson City; and six step- great-grandchildren, Blake Murphy, Clay Taylor, Shelby Stephen and husband Kyle, Marty Carender, Dusty Sauter and Dylan Sauter. Friends will be received from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Sunday at the Houser-Millard Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, September 27, 2010, at the Houser-Millard Funeral Home with Rev. David Phelps and Rev. Michael Hare officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow in Enloe Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Hospice Compassus. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 W. Main, (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at millardfamilychapels.com