Ray Boulton, 93, of Wapello passed away on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at Lutheran Living. Funeral Service for Ray will be 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 16, 2023 at the Wapello Methodist Church. Following the funeral services, the family will visit with friends at a luncheon at the church from around 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Burial will be in Columbus City Cemetery following the luncheon. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sandhfuneralservices.com Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral & Cremation Services of Wapello are caring for Ray’s family and his arrangements.
Ray Richard Boulton was born on April 14, 1931 at home in Cairo, Iowa, the son of Floyd and Hazel (McIntyre) Boulton. Ray was a 1948 graduate of Wapello High School and a varsity football letterman winner of the 1947 team. On October 22, 1949, Ray was united in marriage to Roberta Lessenger at “Little Bit of Heaven” in Davenport, Iowa. Ray worked for Oscar Meyer and Rath Meat Packing; where he was the Chief Steward for 20 years. He retired from Delzell Motors with over 30 years of service, known as “Honest Ray.” Ray also was a long-time farmer in the Wapello area. He was a member of the Wapello Methodist Church, Odd Fellows, Masonic Lodge, Local 431 Amalgamated Meat Cutters Union, the local square dance clubs and Red Hats (so he could join them for lunch). Ray will always be remembered for his unique way of playing Santa Claus on Christmas Eve , mowing his yard and never forgetting the ditches as well and the 15 name sakes of Ray/Rae within in his family. Ray and Roberta never missed an opportunity to support their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in their many activities; especially their sporting events being their number one fans.
Ray will be deeply missed by his children, Randell (Cindi) Boulton of Grinnell, Iowa, Rae Nita (Bill) Black of Wapello; Rae Laneia Boulton of Wapello and Misty Rae Brockway of Wapello; grandchildren, Josette, Buddy, Erin, Augusta, Nathaniel, Monica, Chastine, Shawnta, Annie, Brooke, Logan and Holden; along with a family of many extended grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sister, Mary (Lyle) Tompkins of Montezuma and many nieces and nephews.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Roberta on October 11, 2023; daughter, LaCinda Boulton; son, Doug Boulton; sister Geraldine and brothers, Ken, Don and Floyd Boulton.