Ray Clinton

Ray Clinton passed away Aug. 20, 2011. He was a faithful Christian, devoted husband, loving father and kind friend. He gave much to this world and left it a better place.

Ray Clinton was born in Plainville, Ind., on Nov. 9, 1922, to Daniel Josephus and Lula Clinton. After graduating from Plainville High School in 1940, he began working as a surveyor.

During World War II, Clinton was commissioned as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army Air Corps and served with honor as a pilot in the Southwest Pacific Theater for the duration of the war. Following World War II, Clinton moved to Sikeston, Mo., and founded R. Clinton Construction Co.

On Dec. 13, 1947 he married Dorothy Marshall.

Clinton was a visionary and developer of many projects in and around Sikeston. Among these projects were Sikeston Airport, Triangle Industrial Plant, Scott County Milling Co., Malone and Hyde Warehouse, E.P. Coleman power plant, Missouri Delta Community Hospital, Sikeston High School and Noranda Aluminum plant.

Clinton was active in promoting business and cultural opportunities as well as a generous contributor to many organizations both locally and abroad. He served as president of the Sikeston Industrial Commission and was a member of the Sikeston Rotary Club, Shrine Mounted Horse Patrol, 32nd Degree Mason, Elks Club and SCC Men's Golf Association. He has served as president of the Chamber of Commerce and on the board of directors of the municipal airport, Boy Scouts of America and Missouri Delta Medical Center. Clinton was named "Man of the Year" by the Sikeston Chamber of Commerce in 1993. Along with his wife Dorothy, Clinton was a longtime active member of First Baptist Church in Sikeston.

Survivors include his wife, Dorothy, his daughter, Carolyn Klein and husband Jim of Dallas; daughter Sheila Williams and husband Rick of Clinton, Mo.; son Chuck Clinton and wife Liza of Louisville, Ky.; and son Steve Clinton of Sikeston. He is also survived by sisters, Joy Cunningham, Ruth Hanlo and Dorothy Baldwin of Indiana; grandchildren, Ray Bell, Joc Bell, Kelly Williams, Josh Clinton, Chris Clinton, Tiffany Clinton, Marshall Clinton and Matthew Clinton; great-grandchildren, Stella and Mamie Alston Bell; and many nieces and nephews. Four brothers and two sisters preceded him in death.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday at First Baptist Church in Sikeston.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. David Ross officiating. Graveside services will be conducted at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield with full military honors provided by the Missouri Funeral Honor Guard.

Memorials can be made to First Baptist Church of Sikeston or a charity of the donor's choice.

Nunnelee Funeral Chapel in Sikeston is in charge of arrangements.