Obituary - Ray Mager

Raymond Lee “Ray” Mager, 68, died Thursday, May 13, 2021 at Centerpoint Medical Center, Independence, Missouri. He was born July 8, 1952 in Caldwell, Idaho, the son of Clarence Joseph and Mildred Ellen (Helton) Mager.

Growing up in Idaho provided Ray with memorable childhood experiences, including a successful newspaper route at 12 years old that earned him top paperboy honors for two years and an award trip to Seattle, Washington. He enjoyed retelling amusing tales of his boyhood with his brothers in Idaho and never lost his love for the state.

In 1969 the family moved to Butler, Missouri where Ray graduated from Butler High School. He then attended Missouri Southern State College in Joplin, Missouri. He learned the building trade from his father which led to his 43-year career as Sales Manager for various lumber companies in Kansas and Missouri. During his career, he was a member of Jackson County Builders Association.

On September 2, 1979 Ray married Patricia McDaniel Reinig in Topeka, Kansas. They moved to Independence, Missouri in 1980, then built their home in Blue Springs in 1986. Ray was a member of First United Methodist Church of Blue Springs.

Ray never met a stranger. His admiration for the people he met often inspired his interest in a variety of hobbies including fishing, bicycling, sailing, playing the ukulele, bonsai trees, and woodworking. He also enjoyed capturing life through photography.

Ray is survived by his wife Patricia Lea, Blue Springs, Missouri; their daughter, Merrick Rae Aversman and husband Aaron Lee, Mission Hills, Kansas; three grandchildren, Eleanor Tate, Heinrich “Henry” Louis, and Greta Rae Aversman. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Floyd Lawrence and Robert Dale, and a grandson Everett Jack Aversman.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, May 22, 2021 at First United Methodist Church of Blue Springs, 301 SW Woods Chapel Road, Blue Springs, Missouri 64015, followed by inurnment at the church columbarium. Due to Jackson County COVID-19 regulations, masks are to be worn inside during all services. Memorial contributions in Ray’s name are suggested to First United Methodist Church Youth Mission Trips. Memories of Ray and words of comfort for his family may be shared at www.meyersfuneralchapel.com.

Donations needed for local bible project

Nathan Stiles, a senior running back for Spring Hill Kansas High School, collapsed following his second touchdown in a game against Osawatomie in October of 2010. A short time later, this outstanding athlete and 4.0 student died just a few days before his 18th birthday due a traumatic head injury suffered in that game. 

Following Nathan's strong religious beliefs, his parents Ron and Connie have now devoted their lives to spreading God's word through his spirit by making free bibles available to anyone who wants one and now, local resident John Manning is extending their wishes by doing the same for all who attend Kamp Keirsey near rural Amsterdam this summer.

During each session of camp this year, Manning will be speaking about the Nathan Stiles project and wishes to provide a bible to every camper in need of one, however funding is needed to insure there will be plenty available. Donations may be made to either of the two addresses below, note that the words 'bible fund' must be included with the Butler address.

Creighton Baptist Church

PO Box 97

Creighton, Mo 64739

Kamp Keirsey Bible Fund

c/o Osage River Baptist Assoc.

PO Box 140

Butler, Mo 64730

If you have questions, John Manning can be reached at 660-679-5889.

The public's support is greatly appreciated and more information about Nathan's story can be found here http://www.nathanproject.com

See the Kamp Keirsey schedule and details here http://www.kampkeirsey.com/

Way to go Andon Cook

Andon Cook is a Junior @ Butler High School - he recently competed in Class 2 Missouri State Golf Tournament in Bolivar, MO on 5/17/ 21 - 5/18/21 @ the Silo Ridge Golf Course. 

State Competition was a 2 day 18 hole per day tournament. Andon placed 10th overall in this Class 2 State tournament. He shot a 167 over 2 days. All state honors goes to the top 15 overall individuals in this two day tournament. 

He placed 1st place overall in the Ozark Highlands Conference Tournament and 3rd place overall in the Missouri Class 2 District 3 Tournament qualifying him to get to play at this State level competition. 

Andon is the son of Sean and Sandy Cook of Butler, MO. Also pictured with him is Butler High School Golf Coach - Leslie Hedrick

What's in the Window winner and clues for this week

Each week we place clues on a piece of paper in our window at 17 N. Main in Butler in our "What's in the Window" contest and our winner this week is Ross Yingst, who correctly guessed Rattlesnake Hill south of Butler:

Viper - yikes!

Elevation - a hill for sure

Lone Oak - township

Ross wins a cool prize courtesy of Osage Valley Electric Coop for his effort!

Clues for this week:

1953

cinema

stars

If you can guess what landmark, business or historical event (all past or present) these clues lead to, you'll win a really cool prize too!

You can email your guess to windowguess@gmail.com

Please don't put answers on social media, we'd like everyone to have a fair chance. If we don't get a correct answer, we will add another clue each day or so. Winner will be announced Friday, May 28th. Good luck!

Roadwork set to start Monday in Nevada

Starting Monday, May 24, 2021 through Thursday, May 27, 2021, the City of Nevada will be closing Hickory Street from Centennial Blvd (Hwy 54) to Subway Blvd as well as Hickory Street from Osage Blvd to Colorado Street.

The street repairs are necessary to prepare for additional traffic due to the upcoming Austin Street bridge closure. This project is weather dependent and may be postponed a week if needed.

Motorists are strongly encouraged to plan ahead and find alternate routes.

City of Clinton Fire Department will be accepting sealed bids for the following surplus vehicle

The City of Clinton Fire Department will be accepting sealed bids for the following surplus vehicle:

1993 Chevy Box Van, 6.2L V8 diesel engine, automatic transmission, 32,664 miles.

For questions or to make an appointment to view this vehicle, please contact Deputy Chief Matt Willings or Fire Chief Mark Manual at (660)885-2560.

Contact Deborah Nelson for a bid spec sheet or to submit your bid at: City Hall, 105 E. Ohio, Clinton, MO 64735; 660-885-6121; or dnelson@CityofClintonMO.com.

Bids are due no later than 10:00 a.m., on Monday, June 14th. The City reserves the right to accept/reject any and all bids.

Off and on showers Friday

The damp pattern will continue for Friday. Continuous rain is not expected, but most area should see at least a passing shower or two through the day. A few rumbles of thunder will also be possible

Sad news in the local dirt track racing world

It's with great sadness that I pass along the news that Ron Bolin Sr., the "X Man" has passed away.

Please keep the entire family and his friends in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

- Courtesy of Nevada Speedway Facebook Page