Harold (H.R.) Ray Gayer, 92 of Ash Grove passed away on Friday, January 13, 2017 in Ash Grove Health Care Facility, Ash Grove, MO.

H.R., the son of Ray John and Grace Christine (Wilson) Gayer, was born near Ash Grove and was a lifelong area resident, except during his service to his country, during WWII, in the U.S. Army.  H.R. was an instrumental part of the growth and betterment of the Ash Grove community.  He not only had wonderful ideas, but he was willing to serve in varied capacities, working for the community.  Through the years H.R. was president of the Ash Grove School Board, nursing home board, long time member of Ash Grove Chamber of Commerce, over 60-year member of the Ash Grove Masonic Lodge, and was a member of the Abou Ben Adhem Shrine Club, Springfield, MO.  He provided for his family by farming and owned Gayer Gas.  H.R. loved to hunt, he especially enjoyed hunting pheasant, quail, and nighttime coon hunts.  He also owned and operated H.R. Gayer Fur Company.  H.R. enjoyed all of these areas of his life, but he loved spending time with his family the most, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.   H.R. was a man that you always saw smiling, finding humor in the life he lived, surrounded by the love of family and friends.

H.R. was saved at an early age at First Baptist Church, Ash Grove.  He had been a member there for over 75 years.

H.R. and Marjorie (Outcalt) Gayer were united in marriage on January 1, 1944.  To this union three children were born.  Together H.R. and Marjorie were privileged to share over 70 years before Marjorie's passing in 2014.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and infant sister; Annabelle Gayer.

He is survived by his loving family: a son; John and wife Evelyn Gayer of Springfield, MO.; 2 daughters; Anne and husband Steve Payne of Mesa, Arizona and Virginia (Ginny) and husband Ron Carter of Ash Grove; five grandchildren: Casey Payne, Auburn and husband Dr. David Ellingson, Chance and wife Nikki Payne, Seth and wife Dana Carter, Rachel and husband Kyle O'Leary; ten great-grandchildren: Aiden, Diesel, and Slate Payne, Lily, Cannon, Benson and Davis Ellingson, Lillie and Bowen Fraser, and Konner O'Leary; sister, Regena Dixon of Ash Grove.

Services will be Tuesday, January 17, 2017 at 10:00 AM in Ash Grove First Baptist Church with Pastor Kevin Baker officiating, with interment following in Ash Grove Cemetery under the care and direction of Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home, Ash Grove, MO.

The family will receive friends on Monday evening from 6:00PM - 8:00PM in the funeral home.

Memorials may be given, in his memory, to Convoy of Hope, and can be left at the funeral home.