The Rev. Ray Firestone, Baldwin

Mr. Firestone died Friday, March 25, 2005, at his home.

He was born in Dunnegan, Mo., the son of Shelton and Lula Firestone. He graduated from Wichita High School East and Friends University. He received a master’s degree in divinity from Yale University Divinity School and a master’s degree in librarianship from Emporia State Teachers College.

He was director of libraries and curator of the Quayle Rare Bible Collection at Baker University from 1970 to 1980 and an associate pastor at First United Methodist Church in Olathe from 1980 to 1984. He also served churches in Rosalia, Ellinwood, Topeka, Garnett, Parsons, Reading, Miller, Vinland, Iola and Ottawa, and retired in 1989 in Kansas City. He was an active member at United Methodist Church of the Resurrection.

He married Rose Mary Riesenmey. She died in 1972.

Survivors include a son, David Shelton, Olathe; and two daughters, Ruth Ann Firestone, Dallas, and Sara L. Firestone, Mount Pleasant, S.C.

The family will receive friends from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the church.

The family suggests memorials to Yale University Divinity School or any of the churches he served. They may be sent in care of McGilley State Line Chapel, 12301 State Line Road, Kansas City, MO 64145.