Ray Ronald Schooley of Marshfield, Missouri, passed away on October 4th, 2024, at the age of eighty-eight. Born on August 16, 1936, in Stark, Kansas to Merle and Geneva (Neal) Schooley, Ray led a life dedicated to the dairy industry and community service.
Ray grew up on a small farm in Stark, Kansas, graduating from Stark High School in 1954. He went on to attend Kansas State University, where he was a member of FarmHouse Fraternity. While pursuing his education, Ray also served as a National Guardsman for six years. In 1960, he completed his master's degree in Dairy Cattle Breeding at Kansas State.
Ray's distinguished career in the dairy industry began in 1961 when he became Executive Secretary of the American Milking Shorthorn Society. In 1967, he joined the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA) as Treasurer and later Superintendent of Records, marking the start of his long-standing relationship with Jersey cattle.
In 1977, Ray and his wife Margaret established Schooley Jerseys, initially in Kansas before relocating to Niangua, Missouri. Their operation was later inducted into the Missouri Dairy Hall of Fame. Ray's expertise and leadership were widely recognized. He served on the AJCA Board for six years, including two as president, and received the AJCA Distinguished Service Award. He also served as president of National Dairy Shrine, was a board member of the National FarmHouse fraternity, and helped establish a local 4-H dairy club.
After selling the Schooley Jersey herd in 1998 and relocating to Marshfield in 1999, Ray continued his involvement in the dairy industry as a market reporter for the Missouri Department of Agriculture and a sales representative for ABS, Alta, and Semex.
Ray was an active member of the Marshfield community, participating in various organizations including the Marshfield United Methodist Church, University of Missouri Extension, Webster County Extension Council, Webster County Fair Board, and United Methodist Men. He volunteered for Meals on Wheels and enjoyed ringing the bell for the Salvation Army during Christmas.
Ray married Margaret (Nicholson) Schooley in 1964. He is survived by Margaret; two sons, Stuart and K.C. Schooley of Ranchvale, New Mexico, and John Schooley of Austin, Texas; one grandson, Warren Schooley; and one sister, Rita Howard of Overland Park, Kansas. Ray took great pride in his family, in recent years enjoying trips to New Mexico to watch his grandson Warren play football and win the state championship in 2023.
Ray will be remembered fondly by friends and loved ones for his passion for dairy farming and his community spirit. Ray dedicated his life to the dairy industry and community service. His work in dairy genetics and involvement in local organizations made a positive impact on many lives.
In accordance with Ray's wishes, no funeral services will be held at this time. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Fraker Funeral Home, Inc., Marshfield. Memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army Webster County Service Unit in care of Fraker Funeral Home.