William (Bill) Ray Early

William (Bill) Ray Early passed away at his home in Mt. Vernon on Nov. 26, 2020.  
Early was born April 9, 1941, in Kansas City to Forrest and Ruth (Slater) Early.  He graduated from North Kansas City High School in 1959 and immediately enlisted in the Marine Corp. Sgt. Early served his country with distinction in Cuba, Japan, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam, where he was twice wounded. After his second tour with the Marines, he graduated from the Federal Law Academy and worked as a Federal Law Enforcement Officer until his retirement.
He married his true love, Mary Louise Revert, in Wichita, Kan., on Sept. 16, 1978, and enjoyed 40 years of marriage.
He was an active member of the Covenant Baptist Church in Mt. Vernon.
He is survived by siblings, James and Terry Early, Marguerite Simmons, Christina Leigh, Beth Walker, Kaye and David Foxe, and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife and two sisters, Cindy Early and Frances Haman.
A memorial service was held Dec. 1, 2020, at the Covenant Baptist Church. Burial will take place at a later date at the Missouri Veteran’s Cemetery in Springfield.  Arrangements are under the direction of the Fossett-Mosher Funeral Home, in Mt. Vernon.