Raymond Peter, 83

A memorial service for Raymond Peter, 83, of Gainesville, was held March 21, 2023, at St. Williams Catholic Church in Gainesville. Ray was laid to rest with military service honors at a private family service in the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Springfield the following day. 

Ray died March 15, at the cabin home he built in the woods in Ozark County.

He was born on Feb. 6, 1940, in Tell City, Indiana, the son of Leo and Mary Peter.

After graduating high school in 1958, he joined the United States Navy. His naval service stationed him in Jacksonville, Florida; Norfolk, Virginia; Everett, Washington; Miramar, California; and Glenview, Illinois. He retired honorably from the Navy in 1978 with 20 years of service. 

He became a resident of Gainesville in 1978. He spent his first two years in the Ozarks building his log home with his family. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and riding his motorcycle with his veteran buddies. 

He had a calling to continue to serve his community. He took on the challenges of serving 15 years as president of the Ozark County Ambulance Department. Ray continued to honor our military veterans by joining the local chapters of the Combat Vets and became road captain of the Patriot Guard. 

Ray is survived by his wife Kristina, sons Butch and John Peter, grandchildren Amy Stevens, Matthew Peter, David Peter and Joshua Peter, great-grandson Granger Stevens and brothers Tom and Larry Peter. 

He is preceded in death by his parents Leo and Mary Peter, and brothers Lee and Bernie Peter. 

Ozark County Times

504 Third Steet
PO Box 188
Gainesville, MO 65655

Phone: (417) 679-4641
Fax: (417) 679-3423