A generous gift of $835,000 from the estate of Dr. Raymond Lansford will help more students from Missouri State University’s College of Business complete their education. 

Lansford, a Missouri State alumnus, passed away just two weeks before his 99th birthday. 

“Dr. Lansford devoted his entire career to educating students. His intentions were to continue helping students attend college long after he and his wife, Beuna Lansford, passed away,” said Brent Dunn, executive director of the Missouri State University Foundation. “These scholarships at MSU will certainly make a positive difference for now and generations to come.” 

About Lansford 

Born in Judge, Missouri, Lansford attended a one-room country schoolhouse before graduating high school in Belle, Missouri, in 1939. 

A WWII veteran, he was awarded three Bronze Stars for distinguished service as well as the Air Medal. 

After the war, he married his high school sweetheart Beuna Ridenhour of Belle, Missouri.  

They moved to Springfield where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Finance and General Business from Missouri State in 1947. 

Lansford eventually earned a doctorate from New York University and became a professor of business at the University of Missouri until his retirement in 1984. 

He was known for his life of service which included serving as president of Kiwanis International from 1984-1985.  

According to his obituary, Raymond and Beuna traveled to 62 countries while representing Kiwanis.   

Lansford lived an extraordinary life for a poor country boy who grew up in the Great Depression. His greatest hope was that he could aid others without the means to attend college in their pursuit of higher education. 

“Dr. Lansford appreciated the value of higher education as well as the financial challenges for many students and their families,” said Dean David Meinert.  “And, through his generosity he will aid innumerable COB majors to complete their business education.” 

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