Les Raw

If you ever had the privilege of meeting Leslie Edward “Les” Raw, chances are, you walked away with a smile. Known for his quick wit, warm heart and love of telling jokes, Les had a gift for bringing joy to those around him. Les went to be with his Lord at 8:15 a.m. Friday, July 24, 2026. He was born April 30, 1938, in Waverly to Raymond Herbert Raw and Dessie Blanche (Rash) Raw. On June 27, 1964, Les married the love of his life, Mary Judith Costner, lovingly known as Judy. Together, they shared 62 wonderful years of marriage, building a life centered on faith, family and unwavering devotion to each other.

In addition to his loving wife, Judy, of the home, his survivors include five children: Randy (Kathy) Raw of Columbia; Michelle (Tim) Bonderer of Bloomington, Minn.; Chris (Marie) Raw of Norborne; Melissa (Brandon) Hough of Centralia; and Jason (Autumn) Raw of Manhattan, Kan.

Les also leaves behind 13 cherished grandchildren: Chad (Lydia) Raw of Overland Park, Kan.; Eric (Jewelee) Raw of Columbia; Katie (JT) Smith, also of Columbia; Caleb (Miranda) Bonderer of Bloomington; Colton Hough of Ridgecrest, Calif.; Ashlyn (David) Petrov of Columbia; Keatyn Hough of Centralia; Spencer, Dawson and Zoe Raw, all of Manhattan, Kan.; Jami (Corinna) Lorenz of Harrisburg; Anna (Dave) Dickason of Palmer, Alaska; and Kimberly (Daniel) Crowley, also of Palmer.

His legacy continues as well through 23 great-grandchildren and four great-greatgrandchildren.

He is further survived by his sister, JoAnn Tankesley of Lockwood; brothers, Raymond (Dianne) Raw of Carrollton and Larry Raw of Lexington; and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, the aforementioned Raymond Raw and Dessie (Rash) Raw; and brother, Ronald Raw.

Les’ greatest loves were his faith in Jesus Christ, his family, farming, writing poetry and bringing laughter to everyone he met. A devoted member of the First Baptist Church in Norborne, he faithfully served the Lord in many roles through the years, but none meant more to him than serving as a deacon for 48 years. Known for his humble spirit, servant’s heart and unwavering faith, Les earned the love and respect of his church family and community. His quiet example of Christian living and genuine care for others left a lasting impact on all who knew him.

He affectionately called Judy “Mama”; and during the final years of his life, he often told anyone who would listen that she was the “best little nursie” he ever had. Their love story began with a memorable first date: Les didn’t show up.

Fortunately, Judy decided to give him a second chance and soon discovered the kind, faithful man he was. That second chance blossomed into a remarkable 62-year love story built on devotion, laughter and unwavering commitment. Together, they weathered life’s joys and hardships with steadfast faith, enduring love and constant support for each other, leaving a beautiful example for all who knew them.

As a father, Les was one of his children’s biggest supporters. Whether it was a basketball game, a cattle show, a school program or another special event, he did everything he could to be there, cheering them on with pride and encouragement. His steadfast presence and unconditional love left a lasting impact on each of his children and their families.

That same devotion extended to his grandchildren. Les gladly traveled countless miles to attend sporting events, dance recitals, baby dedications, birthday celebrations, graduations, weddings and any milestone that was important to them. Nothing brought him greater joy than celebrating the lives and accomplishments of his family, and they always knew they could count on “Papa” to be there whenever he could.

From an early age, Les dreamed of becoming a farmer. He took the first step toward that dream in 1959, when he purchased his first 100 acres near Stet. Beginning with just a few head of cattle, he worked tirelessly to build the life he envisioned. In 1969, Les and Judy purchased the family farm where they would raise their children and continue expanding the operation to 600 acres.

Although farming was one of Les’ greatest passions, his family was always his greatest treasure. He often dreamed of having all his children living nearby. Though life took them in different directions, nothing brought him greater happiness than having everyone gather at the family farm. It was a place where generations came together to celebrate holidays, milestones and everyday moments – a place that will always be home to those who loved him.

One of Les’ greatest gifts was his poetry. Through heartfelt verses filled with faith, humor, wisdom and love, he comforted grieving hearts, celebrated life’s blessings and brought smiles to countless family members, friends and fellow church members. His words, much like his life, leave behind a legacy that will continue to encourage and inspire those who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to the Missouri Baptist Children’s Home or Carroll County H.E.L.P. Services in memory of Les. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home; 507 E. Main St.-P.O. Box 190; Richmond, MO 64085.

Visitation and funeral services will be held Saturday, Aug. 1, at the First Baptist Church in Norborne, with visitation beginning at 1 p.m. and the services to follow at 3. Burial will be in Fairhaven Cemetery, Norborne. Thurman Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Please share your memories of Leslie with the family at www.thurmanfuneralhome. com.

For those unable to attend, the services will be livestreamed through Facebook on the First Baptist Church of Norborne page.