Sonny Ray Cantrell (Mansfield)'s Obituary
Sonny Ray Cantrell, 74, of Springfield, Missouri passed away on Friday, November 25th, 2016.
The second of five children, he was born on November 16th, 1942 in Kansas City, Missouri, to the late Walter Clay Cantrell and Virginia Gertrude (Caruthers) Cantrell. He is survived by his wife of 51 years Joyce Ann (Reed) Cantrell, one son Michael Ray Cantrell and his wife Kathryn of Clinton, Iowa, two grandchildren Jaclyn Kristine (Cantrell) Brandhorst and her husband Jeffrey and John Craig Cantrell, one daughter Mary Ann Cantrell of Springfield, Missouri, one brother Walter Collins Cantrell and his wife Celeste of Atlanta, Georgia, one nephew Wayne Cantrell and his wife Sandy, a niece Rebecca (Cantrell) George and her husband Richie, great nephews Michael, Grayson, one sister Dianna Faye (Cantrell) Roy of Las Vegas, Nevada, two nieces Brandi (Roy) MacDougall and her husband Evan, a great niece Brianna, a great nephew Camden, and Megan Roy. Two brothers preceded him in death Richard Raymond Cantrell and Woodson David Cantrell. He grew up in the Mansfield area and joined the Marines after graduating high school. He served four years with the Marines where he was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. Upon his return, he began work at Foremost Foods. On September 1st, 1965 he married Joyce Reed and they made their home in Springfield, Missouri. Sonny worked for 20 years as a fireman for the City of Springfield, Missouri. He retired as a Rescue Specialist. Sonny, his wife, and two children moved to a farm in Mansfield, Missouri where he enjoyed raising animals, having a garden, and was an avid beekeeper. He was an accomplished blacksmith, archer and enjoyed many other hobbies. He was known for helping friends with their projects. He was active in the local community and was one of the founding members of the Mansfield Jamboree where every night you could find him playing his guitar, singing along, and square dancing. He most loved the time he spent in nature, where he enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was especially known for his knowledge of mushrooms, native plants, and wildlife. He generously shared his knowledge with family and friends, and taught several groups, including the Boy Scouts of America, about nature and the skill of arrowhead making. The Masonic Lodge was also an important part of his life where he was honored with the title of Grandmaster of Lodge #543 in Mansfield, MO in 2013.
In Lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to
Masonic Lodge #543 or Hensley Cemetery both in Mansfield, MO.
What’s your fondest memory of Sonny?
What’s a lesson you learned from Sonny?
Share a story where Sonny's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Sonny you’ll never forget.
How did Sonny make you smile?