Oct 26, 1946---May 16, 2022

Raymond Neil Conley, DC, DACBR of Overland Park, KS left this world on May 16, 2022 at the age of 75.

Ray is survived by his wife Marcy, daughter Katie (Ben) Wagster, and granddaughter Annabeth; brother Robert L. Conley (Grace), and sister Rolana (Joseph) Mierzwa. He was preceded in death by his parents, Neil and Zelma Conley. 

Ray started his college years as a Phi Kappa Psi at the University of Kansas in 1964.  He followed in his father’s footsteps to study chiropractic at Cleveland University - Kansas City. He continued his education completing his residency in radiology at National University of Health Sciences in Lombard, IL. He went on to teach at Cleveland University for many years where he served as Co-chairman of the radiology department and head of the residency program.  He was mentored by several preceding radiologists and found fulfillment in mentoring future radiologists. He always said this was one of his proudest achievements.  As one of his residents said to Ray, “You insisted on our best and helped push us to be successful”.   

In his studies he became fascinated by the newly evolving idea of magnetic resonance imaging.  Further study led him to eventually establish his own business, Regional Imaging Center. He continued to build his MRI practice until he retired.  He wrote and published numerous articles on MRI and lectured on the topic throughout the country. 

Ray served on the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts for 12 years, acting as the President of the board for one year (2004-2005).

Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Ray spent summers and weekends outdoors at the family farm in Tonganoxie, KS.  Later, he found a greater joy in the games of tennis and golf.  His extreme competitiveness and need for perfection led to his accomplishments, including bragging rights for his two holes-in-one. If he wasn’t playing sports, you would find him watching games in his beloved man cave.  He especially loved KU basketball and the Chiefs. 

As successful as Ray was professionally, he was also a pro at being a husband, father, and grandfather.  He found time with family to be the most fulfilling. He knew from the moment he met Marcy that he would marry her, but it took her a few more years to come around.  Once again, he had a good idea as they had a beautiful marriage for 52 years. 

Ray built strong relationships with everyone he met.  He could be ornery at times, but he balanced it with his colorful sense of humor.  Family, friends, and co-workers soon learned how to adjust to these opposing forces. 

As a true Irishman one of his favorite memories was his trip with friends to Ireland.  As the Irish quote says, “Grieve not...nor speak of me with tears…but laugh and talk of me…as though I were beside you.”

Please join us for a Celebration of life will be held on Sunday, May 22, from 4—6 pm at Barley’s, 11924 W 119th St, Overland Park, KS.

Visitation 9:30-10:30 am Monday, May 23, with the Funeral Mass following at 10:30am at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 11300 W 103rd St., Overland Park, KS.  In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, St. Luke's Foundation or the American Cancer Society in memory of Raymond Conley.  

 



Condolences

Barbara Anderson May 18, 2022

Acquaintance ,Kansas City ,Missouri

Dear Marcie and family, I don't know how to express my sorrow adequately in reading about Ray's passing. It has been many years since I have enjoyed your company. But the two of you were always giving and gracious when I visited. For that I thank you. My brother, Jim Bradley, remembers the Conley family fondly as well from our youth and wanted to offer condolences. God bless you all. Barbara Anderson

Pat OHagan May 18, 2022

Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Marcy, I am so sorry to hear of Ray’s passing. I know he put on a good fight with your help and he is at peace. Thinking of you. Pat

Dan Riley May 18, 2022

Friend ,Keene ,Kansas

Dear Conley family: I am very sorry for your loss. I got to know Dr. Conley during his years at the Board of Healing Arts. During all those years I never saw him compromise his principles or fail to do the right thing. He could be feisty and ornery, but that is a privilege of being Irish. I admired him and will always remember him. Dan Riley

Ron May 18, 2022

Classmate ,Overland Park ,Kansas

I am so sorry for your loss. Ray and I were grade school classmates at Our Lady of Good Counsel, Class of 1960. I have several class photos from Kindergarten through 3rd. grade, and two group photos of our football team. Several of us organized two class reunions, the last of which was in 2010. Ray was unable to attend, but I reached out to him later and we had lunch together, for the first time in 50 years. He came from a wonderful, caring family, and replicated this tradition with his own family. He was a blessing to many and will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace.

Ralph Phillip McMurray May 18, 2022

Freind ,SCOTTSDALE ,Arizona

RAY WAS A PERSON WHO KNEW HOW TO APPRICIATE EVERY MOMENT OF LIFE-ALWAYS REMEMBERING HIM FOR HIS OPTIMISM AND POSITIVE ENERGY WHICH RADIATES THRU ALL OF US. A IRISH PROVERB THERE ARE GOOD SHIPS AND WOOD SHIPS SHIPS THAT SAIL THE SEA BUT THE BEST SHIPS ARE FREINDSHIPS MAY THEY ALWAYS BE WE HAD SOME GREAT TIMES TOGETHER AND LOTS QUALITY TIME WE WILL MISS YOU MY FREIND RALPH PIK AND KRYSTEN

John F Settich May 19, 2022

Friend ,Atchison ,Kansas

Dear Marcy: I am so very sorry for your loss. Ray was always a presence in every group. On the Board of Healing Arts, his counsel was often sought and well appreciated. Your faith will sustain you, of that I am convinced. You and your family are in our prayers. John & Janet

Ellen Sherwood May 19, 2022

Friends ,Auburn Hills ,Michigan

I am so sorry for your loss. May you find condolences with God and your friends.

Jan Solmes Hilton May 19, 2022

Friend ,Houston ,Texas

Dear Marcy, I am so sorry to hear of Ray’s passing. Although I haven’t seen you and Ray for years, I remember his warmth, kindness and sense of humor. Condolences to you and your family at this difficult time. Jan

Greg Strick May 19, 2022

Classmate ,ZIONSVILLE ,Indiana

Dear Marcie and Family, I'm so sorry to hear of Ray's passing, and wish to extend my condolences to you and the family. While I have not been in touch with Ray, sadly, since our graduation in 1964, I recall with fondness our interactions as students at De La Salle and can image how satisfying your many years with Ray must have been. May he rest in peace and may you and your family be blessed by God's grace. Best regards, Greg Strick

Todd May 19, 2022

former student ,Leawood ,Kansas

I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to your family. I attended Cleveland Chiropractic College in the 80’s (class of Jan. 1985). We all knew of Dr. Conley‘s reputation before taking our first radiology course. Tough, no nonsense, ask good questions in class (yes, there are dumb questions and you better not ask one). Dr. Conley was truly respected (and feared a little) and admired by all of the students at CCC. No one ever spoke ill of Ray. I had 2 siblings that followed me to CCC. My father, Ray and Dr. Conley met at a Cleveland function and hit it off. Very much the same personalities. They probably saw each other 4 or 5 times over the years and always enjoyed visiting with one another. I loved his gold Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz. That was my dream car. You always knew Dr Conley was in the house when you saw that car in the CCC parking lot. Our golf foursome had the honor of being presented with the 1st place trophy at the Annual Coors Light Unopen by Dr. Conley in the summer of 1986. I practiced in Texas and Ray was always generous with his time consulting with me over the years. I am deeply sorry for your loss. I know he will be greatly missed by so many. It was an honor to have known him. I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers.

Kathy Garrison, Benedictine College May 19, 2022

Friend ,Atchison ,Kansas

The Benedictine College community extends condolences to Marcy, Katie, Ben, Annabeth, Robert, Rolana, Joseph and extended family and friends of Raymond Conley, DC, DACBR. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Hollerbach Julie May 19, 2022

Friend ,Overland Park

Beautiful tribute of a wonderful person, so sorry for this loss. Julie Deutch Hollerbach

Connie Lang May 20, 2022

Friend ,Topeka ,Kansas

I'm so sorry to hear of Ray's passing. He was of my favorite teachers and he taught me a lot even after graduation. I pray for your strength and endurance to get through these hard days. May God place his arms around you and your family with love. Sincerely, Dr. Connie Lang, DC

Gary May 21, 2022

Friend and former radiology resident ,Peoria ,Arizona

Dear Ray, It is sometimes difficult to put emotions into words. I have often thought that words are blunt tools that understate the depth of one’s true feelings. They can also be easily misunderstood or become overshadowed by the competing emotions of regret or sorrow. It is for these reasons that I am wring to you today. In the many years we have known each other, you have been a professional inspiration and a genuine role model. You are hard-working, diverse and well-read. Everything anyone could ever want in a mentor. Further, you demanded the same from the many residents you supervised. You insisted on our best and helped push us to be successful. You opened careers for us and by extension changed the lives of countless patients. You gave me a livelihood and the confidence to pursue it. For all this I am grateful. I am proud to call you a good and close friend. Over the years we have known one another we have kept each other’s confidences, rejoiced in each other’s successes and shared our sorrows. You have been a good listener and nothing but honest with me, even when it was difficult to do. Whether vacationing together in Mexico or sharing a hotel room at a radiology conference, the good memories keep rushing back to me and bring a smile to my face. You have touched many lives, Ray, and all for the better. I don’t think you realize how beloved you really are. People are better off for knowing you, and I am just one. It has been a pleasure, and indeed a privilege to be part of your life. Until we meet again, Gary

Kris Schaeffer May 22, 2022

Grade school classmates ,San Francisco ,California

I join Ray's family and friends to say how sorry I am to lose Ray. I was lucky to have spent 9 early years with him. You could see it coming. Ray was smart. He was also enterprising. When we had lunch together years later, he recounted his gigs as an altar boy. So it was not surprising to learn in the obit about his mentoring and service to others. His life teaches us many lessons. Thank you, Ray.

Pierre Dupuis DC May 26, 2022

Friend ,Jefferson City ,Missouri

Marcie my condolences to you and family.

Dean Conley Jul 18, 2023

Cousin ,Knoxville Tennessee

What fun we had together as kids ! Caused a lot of stress for Uncle Neil and Aunt Zelma! I will forever remember us as kids what fun! Miss you so much . Dean Conley

Services

Event:
Visitation
Location:
Holy Spirit Catholic Church
Address:
11300 W. 103rd St.
City:
Overland Park
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66214
Date:
May 23, 2022
Time:
9:30 AM
Google Map:
Event:
Funeral Mass
Location:
Holy Spirit Catholic Church
Address:
11300 W. 103rd St.
City:
Overland Park
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66214
Date:
May 23, 2022
Time:
10:30 AM
Google Map: