Raymond Thomas Sharpless, Jr.

Raymond Thomas Sharpless Jr., 93, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2026, at Belton Regional Hospital surrounded by family.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, on August 13, 1932, to Laverne and Raymond T. Sharpless Sr., Ray joined the Air Force in 1955 and served more than 20 years as a radio operator and computer programmer. He later worked at Commerce Bank, where he played a key role in developing the foundations for modern credit card usage while earning both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration from Rockhurst University.

A lifelong traveler, Ray lived in Spain, England, Japan, and Iceland. After retiring in 1994, he embraced a wide range of interests including bowling, reading, playing pool, teaching Tae Kwon Do, riding horses in Colorado, and playing chess. His curiosity was boundless; he continually sought to learn and improve in everything he loved, taking lessons in many subjects and hobbies. He found simple pleasures in Kathy’s cookies, petting cats, and sharing time with family.

Ray is survived by his wife, Sally; his sons John Sharpless (Bonnie), Chris Sharpless (Tricia), and Robert Sharpless (Ilona); and his stepdaughters Cynthia Heng (Julio), Kathleen Cordry (John), and Teresa Grogan. He also leaves behind nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Laverne and Raymond Sharpless; his brothers David and Rick Sharpless; and his granddaughter Kaitlyn Grogan.