Steven Lewis Ray, 72, of Lebanon, Missouri, died Saturday, February 14, 2026, in Lebanon, Missouri.
He was born December 31, 1953, in Waynesville, Missouri to Ralph and Juanita (Klein) Ray.
On November 29, 1975, he was united in marriage to Karen Foss.
Those preceding him in death include his parents; one nephew, Andy Capps; and one brother-in-law, Kevin Foss.
After graduating from college at University of Missouri-Rolla as an electrical engineer, Steve began working for a nuclear plant. Later, he and Karen moved to Marshield, where he worked for Sho-Me Power for ten years. He then worked at Fort Leonard Wood for six years and eventually at Southwestern Power in Springfield, where he remained for seventeen years, until his health no longer allowed. However, during this time, he continued to be a consultant engineer for local contractors, for the City of Lebanon, churches and various other organizations, often volunteering his time to those in need. He earned much deserved respect in our community for his knowledge and expertise. He was a Corvette enthusiast and enjoyed interacting with others on Ham Radio. In younger years, he enjoyed fishing and was quite the marksman. He was a lover of animals, especially his dogs. However, nothing compared to the time spent and memories made with his family.
Steven is survived by his wife of fifty years, Karen; two sons, Kenny Ray of Rogersville, Missouri and Chris Ray and his wife Emily of Springfield, Missouri; one sister, Pat Capps and her husband Jerry of Marshfield, Missouri; six grandchildren, Kate, Jackson and Jace Ray, Everett, Conner and Simon Reding; three sisters-in-law, Konnie Hoksbergen of Iowa, Melanie Mays of Tennessee and Becky Foss of Iowa and their families; several nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.
Funeral services for Steven Lewis Ray will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, February 20, 2026, at Shadel’s Colonial Chapel. Burial will be in Antioch Cemetery.
Visitation will be Thursday evening, February 19, 2026, from 6-8:00 p.m., at Shadel’s Colonial Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked donations be made to Alzheimer’s Association or Diabetes Foundation. Donations can be left at or mailed to Shadel’s Colonial Chapel, 1001 N. Lynn or P.O. Box 948, Lebanon, Missouri 65536.
Arrangements are under the direction of Shadel’s Colonial Chapel of Lebanon. Sign guest book at www.shadelscolonialchapel.com.
