Ray E. Smitheran

Ray E. Smitheran, age 94, of Garnett, Kansas, passed away on Thursday, December 1, 2011, at Anderson County Long Term Care in Garnett. Ray was born on September 10, 1917, at Centerville, Kansas, the son of Frank F. and Dena (Hill) Smitheran. He attended Parker Rural High School, graduating in 1936. Ray served in the US Army for 4 years during WWII. He was a member of the 109th Engineers that served in the European Theatre. He was united in marriage to Ernestine Campbell on October 11, 1947, at the First United Methodist Church in Garnett, Kansas. This union was blessed with three daughters. Ray worked as a welder inspector for Colonial Pipeline. Ray's work as a welder on pipelines took him and his family to Kansas, Oklahoma, and Wyoming. They spent 14 years in Wyoming before moving to Virginia. After 19 years in Virginia, Ray retired in 1982 and moved back to Garnett from Fork Union, Virginia. In his retirement he enjoyed vegetable gardening and taking care of his yard. Ray had three loves, his family, God, and his service to others. Family was his principle concern and he enjoyed the time that they spent together. Ray loved to travel with his family, this included visits to every state and many trips to Yellowstone National Park and other national parks. God's importance in Ray's life can be seen through the fact that he always made sure his family had a church affiliation wherever they lived. He believed in the doing for the church not just attending the church. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Garnett. His service to others is evident in his 65 year membership in the Masonic Lodge. He was a member of the Delphinian Lodge #44, Garnett, where he was currently the Senior Steward. Ray had served as an officer since 1987. He served those around him in many ways, including simple things, such as, shoveling a sidewalk, carrying the paper to a porch, and countless other deeds. He was always ready to help and would do so with that beloved quiet smile. Ray was a man of honor whose handshake was the equivalent of a signed contract. He was preceded in death by his parents; his twin brother Raymond G. Smitheran; brothers, Paul H. Smitheran and Jennice "J.B." Smitheran. Ray is survived by his wife, Ernestine Smitheran, of the home; three daughters, Janet Smitheran Bissell and husband Robert of Northampton, Massachusetts, Patsy Lee Smitheran of Durham, North Carolina, Lois Smitheran Diggs and husband Thomas of Dallas, Texas; four grandchildren, Aaron Bissell, Amanda Bissell and husband Sean Diamond, Stacey Diggs and Amy Diggs; one great granddaughter, Lily Diamond. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, December 5, 2011, at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel in Garnett, Kansas. Burial will follow in the Garnett Cemetery. Family will be present to greet friends from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday evening at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church in Garnett and left in care of the funeral home.