Mark Andrew Ray was called home to his Lord on Sunday, April 7, 2024, after a decade of battling cancer.

Born in San Diego, CA in 1967 to Camille Bledsoe, Mark was an exuberant child. He spent his childhood trying the patience of every adult he came into contact with, a trait that followed him well into adulthood. While rambunctious and ornery Mark exhibited compassion and love for other children who struggled with social function.  This compassion and love led him to a lifelong friendship with Edward Jones, and through such Ed's parents, Lou and Lora Jones.  Mark struggled as a teenager with a vast array of problems and was taken in and adopted into the Jones family and from there his life story began.

Lou and Lora loved Mark as if he were born to them, cared for him, guided him, and loved him through his toughest moments.  At the tender age of 18 Mark moved his family from San Diego to Kansas City so as to have the familial support that the Jones' offered. He was always surrounded by the support and love of his family.  Family to Mark was not defined by blood, but by bond through common love for one another.  And so his family was immense, widespread, and full.

On May 22, 2021, Mark married the love of his life, Angela Pickering.  She had spent years by his side loving him and supporting him through his lowest lows and highest highs.  Her gentle loving spirit is what kept him going in the face of his adversity and sickness.  His family is forever grateful for her love, support, and kindness throughout the last decade of his life.

He was preceded in death by his mother Camille, sister Mona, and stepson Tyler.

He is survived in life by his wife Angela, five children, Lora Davis, Daniel Ray, Emily Potter, Caleb Ray, and Joshua Ray, stepchildren Dallas Gibson and Austin Busey, his brother Martin, sister Monica, as well as 13 grandchildren, step-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends too numerous to name.

Celebration of Life services will be Thursday, May 9, 2024, from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the Harrington Family Event Center located at 214 Oak St., Bonner Springs, Kansas 66012