Gale was born May 22, 1954 in Dexter, Mo. to the late Maxine Eaton Lacey and Rueben Lacey. He graduated from Richland High School and married his wife, Melody (Hampton) Eaton in 1973.
Gale began his printing career working at the old Media Press in Dexter at the age of 19 as a pressman. He worked his way up in the company and held the position of General Manager before he left in 1985.
After leaving Media Press, Gale and his wife Melody started their own printing company in 1986, Forms Tech, Inc. Government printing was big in the printing industry at that time and was the main type of printing done there.
Over the past several years, the printing industry has changed dramatically. Gale and his son, Ben, have worked together in transforming the company to meet today's print needs. Now Forms Tech, Inc. is known locally as FTI Printing. Along with running a printing company, Gale also has a minster license from Christ Gospel Churches International.
Gale and Melody had a son, Benjamin Eaton, in September 1978. Over the last 41 years, they have lived in the Essex/Sikeston areas.
He is survived by his wife, Melody Eaton of the home; his son and daughter-in-law, Ben and Chelsie Eaton; two grandchildren, Alesia Eaton and Carter Eaton; one sister and brother-in-law, Connie and Richard McAnulty of Richmond, Va.; and one aunt, Jackie Alberson of Essex.
Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, Maxine and Rueben Lacey.
Visitation will be held Thursday, Jul. 17, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Ponder Funeral Home, where funeral services will be held Friday, July 18, at 3 p.m. The Rev. Michael Riordan will officiate.
Burial will follow in the Essex Cemetery at Essex, Mo.
Online condolences may be sent at www.ponderfuneralhome.
