Ray Eugene Forgey

Ray Eugene Forgey, age 82, died June 21, 2015 at Mercy Hospital, Springfield, Missouri, surrounded by his family. He was born October 16, 1932, in Ozark, Missouri the oldest son of Gene and Sarah Forgey. He served in the United States Navy as a Master of Arms during the Korean War. He retired from the United States Postal Service in 1992. Ray served on the Ozark School Board for many years. Ray was united in marriage to Madeline Sue Young on January 7, 1955 and celebrated their 60th Anniversary earlier this year. He is survived by his wife, six children: Joni and Tom Chudomelka (Ozark), Patricia Burkholder (Valencia, CA), Jenni and Jack Trimmer (Casper, WY), Art Forgey (Gainesville, FL), Kenny Forgey (Ozark) and Cara and Shawn Gerdiman (Camdenton, MO). He had thirteen grandchildren: Christopher (Samantha) Chudomelka, Andrew Chudomelka, Caitlin (John) Burkholder-Travis, Caryn, Jake and Sam Burkholder, Sara and Brad Southard, Tyler and Logan Forgey, Justin, Joshua and Finley Gerdiman. Other survivors include his siblings: Carl and Mildred Forgey (Ozark) and a sister Norma Freeman (Sparta); many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; and his beloved dachshunds, Elvis and Molly. He was preceded in death by brothers-in-law Jim Freeman and Buddy Young, a sister-in-law and her husband, Jean and Larry Rathbun Sr., and his parents. Graveside services will be held 3:00 PM Wednesday, June 24, at the Ozark Cemetery, Ozark, Missouri, with Pastor Phyllis Winzenried officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Adams Funeral Home, Ozark. The family requests in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Spay Neuter Assistance Program and/or C.A.R.E. Animal Rescue.