Howard Wayne Raymond, 78, died March 22, 2006, at Hutchinson Hospital.

He was born Nov. 19, 1927, in Haven, the son of Ernest Olen and Lena Mae Harvey Raymond. Following the death of his mother, Lena, his father Ernest married Zora Hanson. She preceded him in death. A longtime Arlington resident, he graduated from Arlington High School. A Hutchinson resident since 2005, he was a retired lineman for Ark Valley Electric. Following his retirement, he worked for Exxon Corp., Kingman.

He belonged to Arlington United Methodist Church and was a member of Arlington Lyons Club, Moose Lodge and the Men's Bowling League, both of Hutchinson.

On June 11, 1950, he married Belva Graber. He later married Joan Sherow. She preceded him in death.

Survivors include: a son, Douglas Raymond and his wife, Mary, North Reading, Mass.; two daughters, Julene Hurst and husband, Willis, and Debra Lizalde and husband, Alex, all of Hutchinson; two sisters, Doris Dale, Hutchinson, and Carmyn Holzer, Buchanan Dam, Texas; seven grandchildren, Janelle Ortiz, Joshua Estrella, Michael Lizalde, Anthony and James Rush, Bryce and Davis Raymond; and seven great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Benjamin and Wilford Raymond; and an infant sister, Levina Raymond.

Memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Elliott Mortuary Chapel, Hutchinson, with the Rev. Keith Dellenbach presiding. The body will be cremated. Friends may sign the guest book from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday, with the family receiving friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, all at the mortuary. Private family graveside service will be held in Arlington Cemetery.

Memorials may be sent to Hospice of Reno County, in care of the mortuary.

Personal condolences may be sent to www.elliottmortuary.com.