Raymond Gene Ghere

Raymond Gene Ghere passed away at the age of 90 on August 22, 2023 at his rural Sedgwick, KS home surrounded by his loving family. Raymond was born on May 25, 1933 at the family home in rural Harper, KS. He was the third boy born in a family of 6 boys and 1 girl to Russel and Inez Ghere.

Raymond graduated from Harper High School in 1950 and served in the U.S. Army, stationed in Japan, during the Korean War from 1953-1955. He enjoyed telling stories of his time there including riding on the ship to Japan for days and being seasick the whole time. Right up until the end, he could still speak a couple of phrases of Japanese that he learned while serving his time there. Shortly after completing his tour in the Army, he met Marilyn Lee Cave on a blind date and it was love at first sight! They married on March 24, 1957, and built their home outside of Sedgwick in 1972. They celebrated 66 years together this year. Raymond enjoyed working as a truck driver and salesman in the Wichita area for many years, driving for Steffen’s Dairy and Roadway Express. He retired from Roadway in 1999 after 25 years. He loved driving the semi-trucks and thoroughly enjoyed his regular customers.

Family has always been Raymond’s number one priority. He was the most loving dad and taught all of his kids so many life lessons growing up, without the help of any parenting book or website. He greatly enjoyed his grandkids and loved to make them laugh! In retirement, he could often be found making a fun new toy or activity for them to play with during their next visit. He raised many different animals throughout the years for the grandkids to enjoy including goats, chickens, pigeons, and puppies which were some of the grandkid’s favorites. He also kept busy attending many of the grandkid’s activities and was one of their biggest fans. Raymond also thoroughly enjoyed helping others by fixing their lawn mowers and other small engine equipment and it was rare for him not to be able to figure out how to fix something and get it running again. 

Raymond was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Howard, Leonard, and Floyd.

Raymond is survived by his wife, Marilyn of the home; and three children, Lea Ann (Joe) Mitchem of Sedgwick, Jeff (Jana) Ghere of Whitewater, Lisa (Rusty) Jolliff of Newton; grandchildren, Jacob (Sara) Mitchem, Justin (Clarissa) Ghere, John Mitchem and Tessa Feemster, Julie (Josh) Abel, Leslea Mitchem, Kate Jolliff, and Jesse Ghere; great grandchildren, Dylan Dean, Aubrey Ghere and Jack Ghere; siblings, Clyde (Sharol) Ghere of Harper, Carl (Jude) Ghere of Medora, and Pauline (Doug) Oliver of Harper, many special nieces, nephews, cousins, and other extended family. 

A Celebration of Life for Raymond will be held on Friday, September 1,^, 2023, at 10:00 am at Grace Fellowship Church formerly Sedgwick United Methodist Church in Sedgwick, Kansas with the graveside burial at Hillside Cemetery following the service. Visitation with the family will be held on Thursday, August 31, 2023 at the church from 5-8pm.

The family greatly appreciates all the wonderful caregivers from Good Shepherd Hospice, Homewell Care Services, Frankie’s Girls, and Linda Hingst, who helped the family honor Raymond’s wish to stay in his home until the end.

The family has suggested memorials to The Meeting Place, The Sedgwick Senior Center, Grace Fellowship Church, and The Alzheimer’s Association. 

Raymond will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.