Louis Raymond "Ray" Dercher

Visitation will be on Friday, July 21, from 9:30 - 11:00 AM at Church of the Nativity, 3800 W. 119th Street, Leawood, KS 66209. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 AM, followed by the committal service at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery Mausoleum, 8321 Quivira Road, Lenexa, KS 66215.

Ray was married to the love of his life, Judy, for 62 years. He was a beloved father to 3 children, 10 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild. He had an incredible love and devotion for his faith, family, friends, and extended family. One of his greatest joys was watching his grandkids participate in all of their sporting and extracurricular activities.

He was born in Kansas City, KS and spent his entire life in the Kansas City area, 42 years in Leawood, KS and the last 4 years in Overland Park, KS. He was a member of the Church of the Nativity and an active member of the Knights of Columbus. Ray was an avid sports fan, and enjoyed golfing, as well as skiing. For over 40 years he had a successful career in the corrugated box industry. Ray was known for his love of cars, a beautiful lawn, and his ability to “Dercherize” pretty much anything. He also loved traveling with his wife. Ray attended Bishop Ward High School and continued his education at Kansas City, KS Community College where he played football. Ray was a member of the Kansas Army National Guard from 1953 – 1965, where he served as a medic and helicopter pilot.

He is survived by his loving wife Judy; children David Dercher, Overland Park, KS; Deanna Gish (Doug) Bucyrus, KS; Jeanine Conrady (David), Narragansett, RI; two sisters Dolores Pokrywka and Marilyn Schneller (Joe Jr.); brother Larry Dercher (Dianne), and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Ten surviving grandchildren include Tiffany (Tyler Larison and baby Tate); Matthew and Madeline Dercher; Bryan, Nathan, and Natalie Gish; and Paul, Kevin, Grant, and Daniel Conrady.

He is preceded in death by his parents Louis and Anne Dercher, brother in-law John Lorenz, sister-in-law Mary Ann Smart, and brother-in-law Joe Pokrywka.

Ray always made friends everywhere he went. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Memorial contributions may be made to Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, 9720 W. 87th Street, Overland Park, KS 66212.