Raymond PEARCE

Raymond George Pearce, 70, died Friday, December 28, 2007, of cancer at his home in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. The son of John Raymond and Helen Frances Palmer Pearce, Ray was born in White City, Kansas, April 21, 1937.He attended schools in Osawatomie, Kansas, and graduated from high school in Concordia, Kansas. Ray became a journeyman carpenter through the apprenticeship program connected to San Diego Junior College in San Diego, California, and attended the school of architecture at the University of Kansas, in Lawrence, Kansas. He was also a certified solar technician.A 38 year resident, Ray moved to Lake Havasu City from Kansas City, Missouri, in l969. He and his wife, Beryl, owned and operated a full-line general bookstore, Beryl’s Books, for a number of years. He was a licensed contractor in the fields of framing, electrical, and general contracting. Ray also taught building trades classes at Mohave Community College for more than 26 years.Ray’s ham radio call sign was WB7EXX. He worked communications at the World Championship Outboard Boat races for a number of years.During the foundational years of Lake Havasu City he was active in the Chamber of Commerce and adult leadership in Boy Scouts, and Girl Scouts. He was a member of Grace Episcopal Church for over 20 years, serving several terms on the church board. More recently he was a member of St. Michael’s United Methodist Church where he was active in the music program.The family says, “Ray always liked to be learning something new. His hobbies ranged from gold mining, to guitar playing, and knitting.”Ray is survived by his wife, Beryl Barnes Pearce, and son, Soren Pearce, of Lake Havasu City, daughters Ursula Schuyler (Steve) of Imperial, California, and Erica McFarland (Mike) of Greenwood, Indiana, granddaughters Jackie Pearce; Kathryn, Talia, and Natasha Schuyler, and great-granddaughter, Danielle Williamson.He is also survived by his sister, Laurine Slaughter (Art), of Concordia, Kansas, and his brother, Lynn Pearce (Susan), of Pearland, Texas, six nieces, and a number of grand nieces and nephews. Ray was predeceased by his brother, Clinton Pearce (Deborah).A memorial service followed by a reception in the fellowship hall will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2008, at St. Michael’s United Methodist Church, 2895 South Jamaica Boulevard, Lake Havasu City. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Music Fund at St. Michael’s.Thoughts and condolence can be sent to Ray's family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.comArrangements were placed under the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home and Crematory.