Raymond Edward Bales, Jr., 95, of Kansas City, died peacefully in his home Tuesday, July 21, 2020. Ray was born January 10, 1925, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, relocating to Kansas City area in his younger years and was a graduate of East High school. Ray lived several years in Las Vegas Nevada returning to Kansas City in 1997. Ray served in the United States Marine Corps earning the rank of Corporal. He was a Veteran of World War II notably serving as a tail gunner in a TBF Avenger Squadron. While in service, he was stationed in the pacific arena. On his return from service, he entered Kansas City Art Institute and became a free-lance architect. Some of his accomplishments includes the design of the TWA Building, the Hereford House, d the Shirkey Golf Course in Richmond, MO, and the Shawnee Mission Medical Building in Kansas. Ray's favorite pass times were watching the Chiefs and Royals games with his family, dancing, singing, and fly fishing. Recently, Ray was working on designing and building an Ultra-Light airplane.  Ray was preceded in death by his parents, brother, wife, Patricia Murray, children Michael Eugene Bales and Raylene Ann Bales, and later his fiancé, Meralie Ellison. Cherishing his memory are Grace Bales (daughter-in-law), and children and their wives Patrick & Dawn Bales, and Bart Bales & Linda Crowder. Grandchildren Mark Wiegers, Shaun Wiegers, Travis Evans, Raymond Bales, Brett Bales, and Ashley Novak. Ray was also survived by 13 great-grandchildren. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests consideration of a memorial contribution to Trout Unlimited.