Lamar’s Donuts Founder Ray Lamar Passes Away

Lamar founded gourmet donut chain in Kansas City in 1960

DENVER (Friday, November 11, 2005) - Ray Lamar, the founder of LaMar’s Donuts passed away Thursday, Nov. 10, at the age of 89. Lamar opened the first LaMar’s Donuts in a converted gas station on Linwood Avenue in Kansas City, Missouri, 45 years ago. After a wildly successful run, Lamar and his wife, Shannon, franchised the LaMar’s Donuts brand in the early 1990s. There are currently 28 LaMar’s Donuts locations in seven states.

“Everyone at LaMar’s Donuts expresses our deepest condolences to the Lamar family, friends and loved ones,” said Anthony Bonelli, chief executive officer of LaMar’s Donuts. “LaMar’s has a reputation for making the best donuts, and all of that success can be attributed directly to Ray and his vision. He truly was the king of donuts.”

Though always associated with LaMar’s Donuts, Ray hung up his apron in July 2003 when he announced his retirement from the company. Age-related health problems forced Lamar to remove himself from his day-to-day duties. Even after his retirement, Lamar remained an icon in Kansas City, the birthplace of LaMar’s Donuts.

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