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 on Friday, July 24, 2026, at 8:15 a.m. He was born on April 30, 1938, in Waverly, Missouri, 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 one another.
He is lovingly survived by his wife, Judy, of the home; his five children: Randy (Kathy) Raw of Columbia, Missouri; Michelle (Tim) Bonderer of Bloomington, Minnesota; Chris (Marie) Raw of Norborne, Missouri; Melissa (Brandon) Hough of Centralia, Missouri; and Jason (Autumn) Raw of Manhattan, Kansas.
Les also leaves behind thirteen cherished grandchildren: Chad (Lydia) Raw of Overland Park, Kansas; Eric (Jewelee) Raw of Columbia, Missouri; Katie (JT) Smith of Columbia, Missouri; Caleb (Miranda) Bonderer of Bloomington, Minnesota; Colton Hough of Ridgecrest, California; Ashlyn (David) Petrov of Columbia, Missouri; Keatyn Hough of Centralia, Missouri; and Spencer Raw, Dawson Raw, and Zoe Raw, all of Manhattan, Kansas; Jami (Corinna) Lorenz of Harrisburg, Missouri; Anna (Dave) Dickason of Palmer, Alaska; and Kimberly (Daniel) Crowley of Palmer, Alaska. His legacy continues through twenty-three great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.
He is further survived by his sister, JoAnn Tankesley of Lockwood, Missouri; his brothers, Raymond (Dianne) Raw of Carrollton, Missouri, and Larry Raw of Lexington, Missouri; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond Raw and Dessie (Rash) Raw, and his brother, Ronald Raw.
Les’s greatest loves were his faith in Jesus Christ, his family, farming, writing poetry, and bringing laughter to everyone he met. A devoted member of First Baptist Church in Norborne, he faithfully served the Lord in many roles throughout 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 truly 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 one another, 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 when he purchased his first 100 acres near Stet, Missouri, in 1959. 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’s greatest passions, his family was always his greatest treasure. He often dreamed of having all of his children living nearby. While 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’s 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 East Main Street – P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.
Visitation with funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at the First Baptist Church in Norborne, Missouri, with visitation beginning at 2:00 P.M., with services to follow at 3:00 P.M. Burial will be in Fairhaven Cemetery, Norborne. Thurman Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Please remember to share your memories of Leslie with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.
For those unable to attend, the funeral service will be livestreamed through Facebook at the First Baptist Church of Norborne, Missouri, site.
Source: KMZU, The Farm
