Ray Walter Knoche

Ray Walter Knoche, 85, of Higginsville, Missouri passed away on Monday, January 9, 2023, at Meyer Care Center in Higginsville, MO.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Thursday, January 19, 2023, at the Walker-Nadler-Fuller Funeral Home, 1720 S. St., Lexington, MO, 64067, 660-259-2245.  A Celebration of Life will follow at 5:00 p.m., Thursday, January 19, 2023, at the funeral home.  A private family inurnment will take place at a later time.  Memorials are suggested to the Heart of America Alzheimer’s Association.  Memories of Ray and condolences for his family may be left at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com or on our Facebook Page.

Ray was born on May 20, 1937, in Napoleon, MO to August H. and Olga C. (Siefker) Knoche.  He attended Napoleon Schools in Napoleon, MO.  Ray was united in marriage to Josephine Marie Maples on August 7, 1960, in Lexington, MO.  She preceded him in death.  Ray was a lifelong farmer, who enjoyed tractors. He was a member of the Ebenezer United Church of Christ in Levasy, MO.  In addition to spending time with family and friends, Ray enjoyed old tv shows, especially Dukes of Hazzard. 

Ray is survived by five children, Nancy Eaton of Lexington, MO, Rosemary Milligan and husband Charles of Lexington, MO, Susan Thompson and husband Edward of Higginsville, Ray Knoche, Jr. and wife Janet of Lexington, MO, and Henry Knoche of Higginsville, MO; nine grandchildren, Lisa Eaton, Edward Milligan, Jimmie Milligan, Justin Milligan, Charles Milligan, Wendy Jensen, Anna Knoche, Amber Knoche, and Jacob Knoche; twelve great-grandchildren, Darius Vodvarka, Trinity Vodvarka, Aalycia Eaton, Marissa Eaton, Phoenix Bryner, Arizona Bryner, Lucien Bryner, Dimitri Steel, Travis Milligan, Scott Milligan, Brooke Jensen, and Timothy Jensen; and one great-great grandchild, Kaleb Gordon; one sister, Lavera Knoche; two brothers, Edwin Knoche and Elroy Knoche; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

In addition to his parents and wife, Ray was preceded in death by two grandchildren, Tonya and Amanda Eaton; two sisters, Louise and Bernice Knoche; and two brothers, Fred and Harold Knoche.