Raymond Donald Palmer hugged his wife, Virginia in heaven March 3, 2010. Ray was born April 29, 1924, at Plevna to Walter Perry and Pearly Belle Evans Palmer.

He served three years in the Army Corps of Engineers, stationed in Alaska during World War II. He worked at SH Kress and 30 years as stock manager for JC Penney, retiring in 1989. Ray and Virginia served as corps parents for the Sky Ryders Drum and Bugle Corps.

On Oct. 29, 1946, he married the love of his life Virginia Katherine Andsager in Hutchinson. She died Sept. 10, 1993.

Other survivors include: a son, Dean and wife Diana, Wichita; sisters, Frieda Clothier, Hutchinson, Mary and husband Paul Powell, Yoder, Marge and husband Bob Weaver, Montgomery, Texas; brother-in-law, Wallace Andsager, South Hutchinson; and sister-in-law, Audrey Nusser, St. John. He was preceded in death by a brother, George; brothers-in-law, Homer Clothier and Lee Nusser; and sister-in-law, Gwen Andsager.

Graveside service will be 11 a.m. Friday, March 5, 2010, at Penwell-Gabel Cemetery and Mausoleum, Hutchinson, with Chaplain Bob Phipps officiating. Friends may call 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. today with family present from 6 to 8 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson. Military Honors will be conducted by Ft. Riley Honor Guard. There will be a Celebration of Life following the graveside noon to 3 p.m. at Dillon Nature Center, 3002 East 30th Avenue, Hutchinson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Mennonite Manor or Hospice House of Reno County in care of the Mortuary.

Visit www.elliottmortuary.com to leave his family a personal condolence.