Ron Raymer Memorial Studio

Ron was multitalented and was a good steward of all the gifts endowed to him. He used his talents and gifts to serve others and to glorify his Lord.

When stricken with rheumatic fever as a young teen, Ron realized God took him through those days to begin developing his art talent and recognize his need for God in his life. His art talents lead to his 37-year career at Hallmark Cards as a engraver. His art has included baptismal murals for churches, painting, embossing, engraving, wood carving, instrument customization, and more. Ron’s work has received some high acclaim. His art is part of the collection at The Truman Presidential Library, The Ralph Foster Museum, College of the Ozark, The Smithsonian, American Banjo Museum, Musical Instrument Museum, American Jazz Museum, NYC Fire Fighters’ Museum (9-11 cow), and Nuevo Santander Gallery (McAllen, TX). Special works included 2 Kansas City Cow Parade cows, several first-day issue for USPS stamp first day covers, covers for  Winston Churchill, Harry S Turman, and Charlie Parker; celebrity instruments, Fort Scott historical museum displays, 38 Rockhurst Executive Fellows class caricatures, White House Christmas cards for several Presidents.

Music has always been a part of his life. His joy was playing in jam sessions first with his father, uncles, and family and then later with his many bluegrass friends. Music was also part of his ministry. As a youth director, he organized teens to worship and serve through music. He was a song writer for more than 50 years, writing spiritual and sentimental songs. In retirement, he and Arrena performed his songs at many senior citizen centers and churches both here in the Kansas City metro and South Texas. Ron has recorded over 25 CDs, primarily original songs he wrote.

Ron had the gift of teaching. From early adulthood, he taught Sunday School—first to 6^th grade boys, then teens and later as an adult Sunday School teacher for 40 years. At Hallmark Cards, he mentored and taught workshops for fellow artists. He was a great communicator of the Word of God and assisted in writing several devotionals.  For three winters he served as lead teacher/pastor at Sunlight Church, McAllen, Texas.