Ray Delano Holder, 68, of Excelsior Springs, died Saturday, July 4, 2020, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Ray was born on June 26, 1952, in Des Moines, IA, the son of Clarence E. and Ruth Maxine (Taylor) Holder.  He was united in marriage to Dorothy J. Weston of Kansas City on September 28, 2018; she survives of the home.

Additional survivors include: stepson, John O'Neill of Overland Park, KS; two stepdaughters, Tamra (Ronald) Birdsong and Susan O'Neill, both of Excelsior Springs; two sisters, Terri (Kevin) Stanley of Richmond and Vicki (Pat) Daeley of Anaheim, CA; five step-grandchildren: Abigail O'Neill, Allen Arvesen, Gabriel Birdsong, Marielle Fults, and Sierra Fults.

He was preceded in death by both parents.

Ray was born with cerebral palsy and defied all the odds by living to be 68.  He was loved and cherished by all who knew him.  Ray was a big country western person who enjoyed country music, cowboys, westerns, Johnny Cash, George Straight, Elvis Presley, and of course, the Dallas Cowboys.  He enjoyed collecting toy western guns.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Cerebral Palsy Foundation.  They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street-P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.

Memorial Visitation will be held from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Wednesday, July 15, 2020, at Thurman Funeral Home, Richmond.  Inurnment will be held at a later date in Richmond Memory Gardens.  Ceremonies entrusted to Thurman Funeral Home, Richmond.  Please remember to share your memories of Ray with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com .

Memorial Visitation will be held from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Wednesday, July 15, 2020, at Thurman Funeral Home, Richmond.  Inurnment will be held at a later date in Richmond Memory Gardens.  Ceremonies entrusted to Thurman Funeral Home, Richmond.  Please remember to share your memories of Ray with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com .