Ramon "Ray" Lee Bear

Ramon "Ray" Lee Bear was born on December 29, 1934 near Ellston, Iowa.  He passed away on Monday, 23 March 2026, at the age of 91 in Chesterfield, Missouri.  Beloved husband of Deloris Bear.  Dear father of Allen Bear.  Loving grandfather of Nathaniel Bear.  Dear son of deceased Orville Bear and Donna Bear.  Dear brother of deceased Nadine Bales and Gary Bear.  Dear brother of Glee Toney.

Ray and Deloris grew up in Southern Iowa a few miles apart and met at a high school dance in Mount Ayr, Iowa.  They slowly developed a close relationship through friends and school events.  He went on to earn a Bachelors in Aerospace Engineering from Iowa State University in 1957.  They married on June 23, 1957.  He worked for 32 years at what became Boeing Company in Saint Louis, MO.

While working with many engineers and managers, Ray developed many skills in aircraft design, testing, and personnel management.  He enjoyed contributing to the design and development of the F-4 Phantom II aircraft, AV-8B Harrier II VSTOL, F-15 Eagle, and many advanced design aircraft.  Near the end of his working career, he received the company Presidential Award.  Maintenance of apartments and rental homes became interesting and profitable.  Flying was also interesting to Ray so he obtained his private pilot license in Cessna 152 and 172 type aircraft.

After retiring in December 1989, Ray served several social clubs near their home in Lake Saint Louis, MO.  He enjoyed nine years being an active officer of the Pontooneers Club.  It was organized to help many people become better acquainted in their neighborhood while enjoying informal parties, even on pontoon boats.  That theme was also used while enjoying the Thursday Night Potluck at the clubhouse.  He was chairman of the Lakes and Parks Committee to        effectively maintain the lakes and help residents safely enjoy water recreation.  Water skiing with family and friends was wonderful fun since the lake was at their back yard.  It was fun helping their young son, Allen, learn to ski and enjoy the yearly water ski show.   

Ray became more active in the Dardenne Presbyterian Church.  He also developed an interest in photography that proved to be very beneficial in family gatherings and travel. 

Family genealogy caught his interest so Ray improved information and interest for many family members.  That led to larger family gatherings every second year in Ellston, IA.  The result was family members becoming better acquainted while learning family history back to the 1500’s.

Travel in the USA, Canada, and parts of Europe became a major interest and was thoroughly enjoyed by Ray and Deloris.  The food was many times unusual but very tasty.  The traditional group transportation using buses and boats was very enjoyable.  But several times they drove a local auto on the left-hand side of the road, like in Great Britan and Scotland. 

Services: Celebration of Life will be held at Ever True / Mason Pointe, TBD. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.  

The family is being served by Pitman Funeral Home in Wentzville.