Name of Deceased: Robert E. Ray

OBITUARY INFORMATION

Robert E. Ray, 88, died December 20, 2015, at Great Bend Health and Rehabilitation Center, Great Bend, Kansas. He was born June 17, 1927, in Wichita, Kansas, the son of Ralph E. and Thelma (Frakes) Ray.

When Robert was 17, he enlisted in the Navy and served in WWII, as a Fireman First Class. After returning from the war he worked many places, but most recently as a truck driver for both the Oil Fields and the Sterling CO-OP. Robert was also a beekeeper and owned and operated R.J. Apiary.

After retirement Robert served as a councilman for the City of Hoisington and was a member of the zoning commission during the busy times after the 2001 tornado. He was a member of the local Horseshoe Club and was a 50 year member of the Masons along with being a worthy patron of the Order of the Eastern Star.

In 1948, he married Wanda L. Williams. They later divorced. He then married Judy K. Nickels on December 31, 1969, in Sterling, Kansas.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Judy K. Ray, of the home; a daughter, Debbie Laudermilk and husband Terry of Wichita; two grandchildren, Ryan Laudermilk of Topeka, and Cara Cramer and husband Dan of Wichita; two great granddaughters, Alice Cramer and soon to be expected Baby Girl Cramer; mother-in-law, Wanda P. Witt of Claflin; brother, Art Ray and wife Sharon of Siletz, Oregon; nephew, Gerry Ray of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; and a niece, Laurie Schmit and husband Gerry of Houston, Texas; and two great nephews, Andrew Schmit and wife Samantha of Columbus, Ohio and Michael Schmit of Houston.

Graveside services will be 2:00 p.m., Monday, December 28, 2015, at Sterling Community Cemetery, with honors by the United States Navy Honor Guard. Friends may sign the book now until Monday at the funeral home. There will be no viewing as cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers and food, family would prefer memorials to Kans for Kids or the Hoisington Public Library, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net