Raymond Dean Lamer, 83, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on January 14, 2021. He was born in Salina, Kan., on June 19, 1937, to Harley Raymond and Rose A. (Eibert) Lamer. He grew up in Salina until he moved to the farm near Southeast of Saline School his 4th grade year. Raymond graduated from Assaria High School in 1955. After graduation he immediately enlisted to serve in the United States Army. As a United States Patriot, he served by becoming a certified helicopter mechanic and being deployed throughout Germany.

Raymond traveled throughout Europe during his deployment in the Army. Some of these travels included: Germany, Belgium to the World’s Fair, Holland, France, Denmark, and numerous mountain and train trips in Germany. The day Raymond left Germany to sail home after his deployment he loaded his gear onto the M.S.N. Butner while Elvis Presley was simultaneously unloading into Germany. Raymond always said in fun, “Elvis was my replacement”.

After his time in the military, Raymond went on to work at Gooch Feed Mill, which later became ADM. He worked there for 25 years in a variety of positions leading into management. He then became a HVAC technician for the next 18 years at Southeast of Saline School. Additionally, Raymond continued his education through the GI Bill at Marymount College taking many courses which he found interesting. He was always eager to learn and to improve his many skills.

Raymond was united in marriage to Shirley A. Matthews on May 21, 1959. They celebrated 61 years of marriage in 2020.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley, of Bethany Home, Lindsborg; son, Randy Lamer and wife Janelle, of Salina; daughters, Alta Nelson and husband Brian, of Salina, and Brenda Markas and husband John; six grandchildren, Elizabeth Lawrence and husband Matt, Aaron Lamer and wife Jennifer, Travis Lamer and wife Nicole, Shirley Dossett and husband Lynn, Jennifer Swinney and husband Denver, Lantz Tolson and wife Jenna; 12 great-grandchildren, Grace and Jacob Lawrence, Hannah, Tabitha, and Abigail Lamer, Adriel, Jaxon, and Gwenyth Lamer, Jonathan, Dominic, and Savanna Dossett, Vivian, Avonlea, and Jovanna Swinney; many nieces, nephews, relatives, and a host of friends.

Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, Harley and Rose Lamer; four sisters, Edna, Betty, Dorothy, and Arlene; and three brothers, Dale, Don, and Leslie.

During Raymond’s life he was always willing to lend a helping hand to friends, neighbors, and strangers without expecting anything in return. He loved sports such as basketball, fishing, hunting, archery, and mountain gliding. Raymond cherished the life he shared with his wife, family, and friends. After retirement Raymond and Shirley traveled the country making new friends and memories wherever they went.

Due to COVID-19 a private family graveside service and interment will be held at the St. Paul’s Cemetery, Gypsum, Kan., on Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at 11 a.m. This will be officiated by Pastor Larry Brock. At a later date a public celebration of life will be held.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bethany Home, in care of Ryan Mortuary, 137 N 8th St, Salina, Kan., 67401.

For more information and to view a Life Celebration of Raymond Lamer, go to www.ryanmortuary.com