Ray Edwin Pannell, 67, Mt. Vernon, Missouri, died of cancer June 3, 2010, in Largo, Florida, surrounded by closest family and friends. Born in Aurora, Missouri, Ray was a native of southwest Missouri and grew up in Lawrence County. He was a graduate of Mt. Vernon High School and later attended the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, where he received a degree from the School of Forestry in 1967. After graduating from college, Ray enlisted in the United States Air Force, and served until 1972.
Following military service, Ray worked for Ferry Morse Seed Company in New York state and Ontario, Canda. He later held farm manager positions with Butterfield Ranch (Missouri), Matson Farms (Iowa), Hillebrand Farms (Kansas) and Turley Ranch (Oklahoma).
Ray eventually returned to Lawrence County to work and raise a family and he served the community in many capacities, including president of the local Fasrm Bureau.
He is remembered and loved by daughter Aleesha (Justin) Coke, Columbia; sister, Margie Pannell, St. Joseph, Michigan; brother, Duane Pannell, West Memphis, Arkansas; financee Jessie Cox, Mt. Vernon; and numerous relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Maxine Pannell, lifetime residents of Lawrence County.
Memorial services were held June 19, 2010 at Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church in Mt. Vernon, with the Rev. Jack Daniel officiating.
Cheyenne Star, Cheyenne, OK 2-Sep-2010