Van Lloyd Gray, 85, of Mexico, died at 9:31 a.m., Tuesday Jan. 14, 2020, at his home.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, 2020, at Pickering Funeral Home with Pastor Larry Baitinger officiating. Visitation will be from Noon until service time. Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery.

Van was born July 16, 1934, in Gideon, Mo., the son of William and Thelma (Leigh) Gray. On Feb. 4, 1955, in St. Louis, he married Joyce Cagle. Mrs. Gray preceded him in death on Dec. 24, 2003.

Mr. Gray worked for National Refractories for 26 years retiring in Feb. of 1998. He was a member of the First United Pentecostal Church in Mexico.

Survivors include one son, Rick Gray and wife Cheryl, of Columbia; one daughter, Gail Woolridge and husband Bob, Mexico; one sister, Judith Layman, of Belleville, IL; four grandchildren, Heather Wyss, Jennifer Meshey, Derek Johnson, and Holly Owen; 10 great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and his beloved pet Mitzi.

In addition to his wife he was preceded in death by one daughter Debbie Kidwell; one infant daughter; two granddaughters, Christina Wyss, and Danielle Johnson; and two brothers, Earl and Jerry Gray.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First United Pentecostal Church in Mexico. They may be sent in care of Pickering Funeral Home, 403 N. Western, Mexico, MO 65265.