CMSgt (Ret) RAY DON STRONG

CMSgt (Ret) Ray Don Strong, age 74, of Belton, Missouri, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Thursday, November 12, 2020, at Menorah Medical Center in Overland Park, Kansas.

A visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 20, 2021 at Cullen Funeral Home, 612 W. Foxwood Dr. Raymore, Missouri 64083. Memories of Ray's life will be shared at 6:30 p.m. A private family inurnment will be held at the Missouri Veteran's Cemetery in Higginsville, Missouri.

Ray was born in Calhoun, Missouri, on May 31, 1946, to his parents, Glenn and Emma Strong. Growing up, he was one of nine children. After graduating high school, Ray devoted his life to serving his country in the United States Air Force. He was a member of the 442d Fighter Wing his entire career at Richards-Gebaur AFB and then Whiteman AFB. In September 1967 Ray was joined in marriage with his wife Sheila. Together they had two children, Shelley and Stephen. Ray was an avid and long-term supporter of the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals.  Ray was very involved in the kids' interests growing up, to include coaching and attending their sporting events. In retirement, Ray enjoyed traveling the country with Sheila in their RV and spending time with all of his family.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Emma Strong; two brothers, Robert and Zene Strong; and mother and father-in-law, Gene and Evelyn Higgins.

He is survived by his loving wife of over fifty-three years, Sheila Strong; daughter, Lt Col (Ret) Shelley Strong (Col Todd Wold); son, Stephen Strong (Jennifer); brother, Gene Strong (Linda); and five sisters, Betty Ruth Walker, Glenna Henry (Jerry), Eileen Albin (Bill), Janey Edwards (Joe), and Joy Abney (Johnny).

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the American Heart Association, 6800 93 ^rd Street Overland Park, Kansas 66212 or to a charity of choice.

Arrangements: Cullen Funeral Home, Raymore, Missouri 816.322.5278