Raymond "Ray" Andrew Matheny, age 81, of Meta, passed away on Saturday, March 26, 2022, at Capital Region Medical Center in Jefferson City.  He was born in Marion, Illinois, on April 3, 1940, son of the late Leonard and Nell (Ramsey) Matheny.  On January 29, 1978, in Lake Forest, Illinois, Raymond was united in marriage to Alvena Schontelle Wallen, who preceded him in death on May 2, 2014.

Ray honorably served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.  Ray along with his late wife, Schontelle, owned and operated The Shanty in Westphalia from 1994 to 2002.  He later worked for Riley Toyota as a courtesy driver for 20 years.  He was an avid car enthusiast and enjoyed working on classic cars.  Ray was a family-man, always putting his family's needs before his own.  He was a member of the Meta Christian Church.

He is survived by his two sons, Brian Matheny (Racheal) of Jefferson City and Jason Matheny of Fulton; four daughters, Shannon Moore (Jace) of Russellville, Shana Archinal of Illinois, Lynn Fritz of Illinois, and Lori Meister of Wisconsin; five grandchildren, Zoey, Raymond and Rose Matheny and Elijah and Archer Moore; and numerous nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

In addition to his parents and wife, Schontelle, he was also preceded in death by two brothers and three sisters.

Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m., with services immediately following at 11 a.m., on Friday, April 1, at Fancher-Rekus Funeral Home in Meta with Isaac Selin officiating.  Interment will be held in Southside Cemetery in Meta.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Jude Children's Hospital.