Raymond Leadbetter

Raymond L. Leadbetter, 67, of Cape Girardeau died Friday, Aug. 27, 2004, at Southeast Missouri Hospital.

He was born June 29, 1937, in Marble Hill, Mo., son of Earnest R. and Robbie Hollingsworth Leadbetter. He and Joann Joplin were married June 11, 1977, at Cape Girardeau County.

Leadbetter graduated from Hog Creek School in Marble Hill. He was a self-employed repairman, electrician and plumber in Cape Girardeau and Bollinger counties. He played in the Cowboy Church Band at Fruitland and was involved in music ministry in several churches and nursing homes. He and his wife formed the gospel group Rose of Sharon. He was a member of the First General Baptist Church in Jackson, Mo.

Survivors include his wife, Joann Leadbetter of Cape Girardeau; two sons, James Leadbetter and wife Karen of Highland, Ill., David Johnson of Anna, Ill.; three daughters, Kathy Robinson and husband Mike of Staunton, Ill., Susan Saylors of Greenville, Ill., Debbie Haynes and husband Mike of Cobden, Ill.; two brothers, Don Leadbetter and wife Debbie of Kansas City, Mo., Jack Leadbetter and wife Karen of Columbia, Ill.; four sisters, Doris Cook and husband Norman of Marble Hill, Sue Gray and husband Bob of Glenallen, Mo., Bernia Hovis and husband Bill of Hiram, Mo., Lynette Clardy and husband Mike of Whitewater; 12 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by two daughters and a grandchild.

Friends may call from 4 to 9 p.m. today and 8 to 11 a.m. Monday at the Ford and Sons Sprigg Street Chapel; 12 to 1:30 p.m. Monday at First General Baptist Church in Jackson.

Funeral will be at 1:30 p.m. Monday at First General Baptist Church.

The Rev. Jim Matthews and the Rev. Luther Rhodes will officiate, with burial in Fairmont Cemetery at Cape Girardeau.

Memorial fund contributions may be made to First General Baptist Church and the Cowboy Church.