Joe Ray DeSpain was born December 17, 1933 in Wayne County, Missouri the son of Henry and Pearl (Wakefield)and passed away on April 13, 2010 at Scenic View Nursing Home in Herculaneum, Missouri at the age of 76 years.
Joe Ray was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Clarence, Hensley, Hershall and Mansel, sisters Marie Newman, Dorothy Woods and Magdalene DeSpain who died in infancy.
Joe Ray is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Connie and Larry Ward of Omperial, Missouri, granddaughters Whitney Ward of Capr Girardeau, Missouri and Aleshia Ward of Imperial, Missouri grandson Chris Dulworth of Marquand, Missouri. Son Culley DeSpain of Marquand, Missouri, brother Willis DeSpain and wife Mary of Marquand, Missouri. Sisters Gerry Maies of Illinois and Wanda Lorance-DeRossett of Cahokia, Illinois, along with a host of nieces and nephews, cousins and dear friends.
Joe was an avid hunter, farmer and auctioneer. He found great pleasure in the time he spent working foe Dees Auction Management, and developed many life-long friendships through business the business, and with the business owners. He also enjoyed spending time with his family; especially his granddaughters, Whitney and Aleshia.

VISITATION; 5:O0 P.M. THURSDAY, aPRIL 15, 2010 FOLLIS & SONS FUNERAL HOME

FUNERAL SERVICES; 10:00 A.M. FRIDAY APRIL 16, 2010 FOLLIS & SONS CHAPEL

OFFICIATING: REV. HOWARD MILLER & REV. EDDIE DeSPAIN

PALLBEARERS; DANIEL LICHTENEGGER, JIMMY WARD, TOM WARD, CHARLIE DeSPAIN, WAYNE NEWMAN