Jefferson City, Missouri: Ray Klapmeyer, a well-known radio voice for OU (University of Oklahoma) football, passed away on February 13, 2025, at the age of 70.
Klapmeyer was a cherished figure among University of Oklahoma football fans renowned for passionate and distinctive commentary.
Highlights
- Ray Kapmeyer reconnected with Debra in 2016, and the married couple enjoyed eight wonderful years together.
- He had two children with Debra, Christopher Kapmeyer and Cory Kapmeyer.
- He considered his job as a board operator for Learfield Communications his best job.
Ray was an Eagle Scout through the Kansas City Boy Scouts of America, Troop 115, and graduated from Southwest High School in Kansas City in 1972.
During his senior year, he served as an ROTC commander and proudly served in the United States Army in the Vietnam War after graduation. He was stationed in Germany and earned the rank of E5.
However, he was discharged honorably after five and a half years of service. He had received several medals, including the National Defense Service Medal, Expert Marksman M16, and Good Conduct Medal.
Ray pursued a variety of careers after his service in the military. He became a newsman at WHB Radio in Kansas City, KADI Radio in Abilene, and Borger, Texas.
For those of you that were in law enforcement in the 80’s in the Abilene area you will remember Ray Klapmeyer Abilene Pd “577”. Also known as Radio Ray from his time at KABI. In his retirement a worked for Learfield Sports in the sports operations running the board. Ray passed away at his home in the KC area Thursday the 13th. Funeral arrangements are pending. Prayers for his family.
Paul Froelich
Moreover, he was a police officer for nine years in Abilene, Kansas, and was recognized with the 1989 Wheat State Crime Prevention Award for his community service efforts.
Nontheless, he was an accounts receivable manager for GE Aerospace in Kansas City and Jacksonville, Florida, but retired in 2011.
Ray Klapmeyer’s Family Mourns The Tragic Loss
Ray Klapmeyer, the son of Homer and Fern (Jones) Klapmeyer, was born on June 7, 1954, in Kansas City, Missouri. His parents named him Ray Milton Klapmeyer.
His sudden passing has left a void in the hearts of many, including his wife, Debra Sigler, and their children.
It's with deep sadness to share the news on the passing of our Broadcast Ops at @Learfield, Ray Klapmeyer.
— OU Football Radio Crew (@OURadioCrew) February 15, 2025
We send our heartfelt condolences to his family during this time.
Ray was a huge Sooner fan! He was with OU Radio for several years and we always loved working with him. pic.twitter.com/pa4G2sgaS3
Ray connected with a high school friend in 2016 and moved to Russellville, Missouri, where he married Debra. The married couple enjoyed eight wonderful years together.
He was deeply involved in his community and became an active Knights of Columbus and the Men’s Club member at Holy Family Catholic Church in Jacksonville, Florida.
He served as a president of the Shawnee, Kansas, Optimist Club and District Cabinet Secretary of the Merriam-Shawnee Noon Lions Club.
Similarly, Ray was a board operator for Learfield Communications and produced college sporting events in 2021. His time at Learfield was his best job, and he considered his colleagues a family.
He cherished spending time with his family and had a special bond with his grandchildren. He was an excellent cook who constantly experimented with new recipes.
Likewise, an avid animal lover developed a bond with his cats and became the self-proclaimed “car dayy” to Penny, Sam, Darcy, and Ginger. His happiest memories were feeding goats with his family members.
Moreover, he made lifelong friends as a member of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say at Camp Frontier at the H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation. He was a beloved figure, and many remembered him in their heartfelt tribute.
They say when it rains, it pours. It definitely has for our team in Sports Ops at Learfield. This week we lost yet another dedicated and passionate team member and friend in Ray Klapmeyer.
Eric Nichols
His dedication to the Sooners was unmeasurable. He was always in a good mood and lightened the place up when he was around. Our thoughts go out to his son Chris and his wife Deb. He will be missed! Thank you for being you Ray!
Ray’s parents and uncle William “Kenny” Klapmeyer preceded him. His wife, Debra; children, Christopher and Cory; stepdaughter, Dawn Scott; Grandsons, Jacon and Chase; and step-grandson, Seth Fredrickson, survive him.
Visitation will be at Houser-Millard Funeral Directors on February 18, 2025, and a Liturgy Outside of Mass will be on February 19. His burial will be at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville, Missouri.
Instead of flowers, his family requested donations to People Helping Paws, Wounded Warrior Project, or Shriner’s Hospital.
Rest In Peace, Ray Milton Klapmeyer. Undoubtedly, his family members will cherish his memory.
Additional Information
- Ray Klapmeyer pursued a career as a disc jockey before becoming a newsman.
- He was a funeral director at Amos Family Funeral Home in Shawnee, Kansas.
- He loved rock and roll music and enjoyed listening to and singing with his favorite tunes.
- Ray recently became a fan of the Oklahoma University Sooners but was a longtime fan of the Kansas City Royals, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Kansas City Chiefs.
