Raymond Lynn Wildman went to be with his heavenly father on November 3, 2016 after living a long and richly blessed life. Raymond was preceded in death by his wife, Norma (Dorr) Wildman, parents Ray and Gertrude Wildman, and sister, Hazel (Wildman) Bohnert. He is survived by his daughter, Arleta Larson, and husband, Galen, of Athol, KS; son, Dale, and wife, Kendall, of Tulsa, OK; five grandkids: Katie, Nathan, Heidi, Jackson, and Megan; extended family; and many wonderful friends.

Born on July 4, 1924, Raymond was raised on a farm west of Jewell, KS. He was the son of Ray & Gertrude (Frank) Wildman and brother to Hazel. He graduated from high school in Jewell in 1942. Raymond started his career as a secretary at the Jewell High School before settling down in Phillipsburg, KS, where he worked at First National Bank & Trust, faithfully serving for over 40 years.

Through God's grand design, Raymond would meet the love of his life through a mutual friend who had recently moved to Phillipsburg. Although Norma was living in Alva, OK at the time of their introduction, distance was no matter and a lasting bond was formed. After the exchange of many letters and trips to Oklahoma, the young couple were engaged and later married on October 16, 1956 in Alva. Prior to Norma's passing in 2007, they celebrated 50 years of happiness together, filled with memories that would last a lifetime.

Raymond and Norma would spend the rest of their lives living in the small town of Phillipsburg. Although Raymond felt fortunate to live in such a wonderful community, his heart was always in the country. His love for tractors, windmills, cattle, chickens, and the simplicity and sounds of country life ran deep in his blood. Frequent visits to his family farm in Jewell would make the farmer in him content.

He enjoyed living a simple life that was generously filled with great friends and his loving family. He was blessed with two children, Arleta and Dale. Raymond and Norma created a loving home together by faithfully raising their children in the ways of the Lord. He lived his life with the right priorities and as a quiet example. He watched his children raise five grandchildren much in the same way, all of whom he was immensely proud of - faithfully cheering on their every endeavor.

He kept himself busy with many pastimes. He had a passion for collecting and playing guitars. He liked all things country music and he enjoyed trying to learn songs on the guitar, often performing concerts for anyone who would listen - regardless of whether he could carry a tune or not. He loved attending the First Christian Church, standing solidly in his faith in the Lord. He enjoyed reminiscing about stories of his childhood. He was always the guy to call if you needed the latest about the weather and enjoyed tinkering with all sorts of gadgets and electronics. He also spent time as a HAM radio operator. Some of his lovable quirks create favorite memories, which include carrying notepads in his shirt pocket to write down his thoughts, his dry wit, his need to save everything - even the used Christmas bows - and his infinite love of ketchup, often used on food most wouldn't dream possible.

Raymond frequently commented about how blessed he was to have so many great friends, to live in Phillipsburg, to be cared for by such nice and caring people in the community and Prairie Wind Villa and to be a part of the Christian Church. He always cherished visits from family and his many friends.

As grandkids would leave his house to go home, he would say, "If I don't see you in the future, I'll see you in the pasture." Dad, Grandpa and Friend, we are thankful for your 92 richly blessed years on earth. Your memory will live on until we meet again in Heaven's greener pastures...

Funeral services were held Tuesday, Nov. 8, at 10:30 a.m. in the First Christian Church, Phillipsburg, with Pastor LeRoy Herder officiating. Graveside services followed that afternoon at 2:00 p.m. in the Wallace Cemetery, Jewell, KS.

Memorial contributions may be given to the First Christian Church c/o Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, P. O. Box 563, Phillipsburg, KS 67661