Denver Ray Oliver

Denver Ray Oliver passed away on Saturday, March 1, 2025. Ray, as he liked to be named, was born on October 28th, 1933 in Richwoods, MO. Ray was the son of the late John Oliver and Francis Gerling. During his childhood, Ray was raised by Francis Gerling, his mother, and Roy Gerling residing in St. Louis, MO, area.

At the age of 17, Ray joined the Navy. After a brief stint in the Navy, Ray joined the U.S. Army retiring from the Army in 1974. During his service, Ray served in two wars, the Korean War, 1 tour, and the Vietnam War, 3 tours. After retirement, Ray and his family settled in White City, KS and some of Ray’s family still resides there. White City is where Ray owned and operated Ray’s Lock Shop until retiring from his third career at the age of 85. The American Legion was important to Ray, so he became a life-time member of the White City American Legion Post 299. 

On a personal level, Ray was a dutiful father being a mentor and teacher to his three sons. Ray taught his sons about life, about cars, and about lock-smith work. Early in life Ray played softball, but soon took to bowling until his late 70s. While bowling, Ray participated in many tournaments ranging from Reno, NV to Broken Arrow, OK. Ray enjoyed watching the Chiefs and was excited by the team’s success in the last few years. Ray was well thought of in White City, in the bowling community and in his work ethic ensured Ray’s Lock Shop never lacked for business.

Ray is survived by his wife of 64 years, Gail Oliver and their three sons and their families; Roy and Vicki Oliver, living in White City, KS. Denver and Rita Oliver live in the rural area southeast of Dwight, KS. Steve and Kathy Oliver near Saint George, KS. 

Ray was blessed with a large family starting with his grandchildren; Amanda and Tim Miller, Jesse and Ashley Oliver (wife), Ashley Oliver (Denver and Rita’s daughter), Justin Oliver, Amber and Haydn (Husband) Garrison, Janice Oliver, and Gracie Oliver. 

Family extends to Great-Grandchildren; Dakota and Beka Miller, Lexis and Luis Perez, Maddison Miller, Logan Oliver, Elaine Azevedo, Skylar Azevado, Lilly Oliver, Zoey Azevedo, Sawyer Oliver, and Haydn Garrison. 

Further blessings allowed Ray to meet his Great-Great-Grandchildren; Jasper Miller, Saphira Perez, Jaxon Miller, and Dalton Perez.

We, Denver Ray Oliver’s family, commend his spirit to God and may his embrace forever give him peace.

A visitation will take place at Sawyer Chapel on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 from 5-6:30 PM and funeral service will be held at Marion Hill Lutheran Church in White City, KS on Thursday, March 13 at 2:00 PM with burial following at White City Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are suggested to American Legion Post 299 and may be sent in care of Sawyer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 273, Council Grove, KS. 66846.