Raymond D. Oehm, Sr.

Raymond Dean Oehm, Sr., 92, passed away April 5, 2026, in Marysville, Kansas. Born December 7, 1933, in rural Summerfield, Kansas, to Sigmund and Minnie (Heiserman) Oehm, Ray was a great example of hard work and dedication, both in his professions and as a husband and father to his four children. He had an amazing work ethic, working long hours to provide for his family, whom he loved deeply.

Ray was a man of strong Christian faith. He worshipped with the Marysville Church of Christ since 1960, where he served as an elder, taught Bible classes, and was one of the song leaders. Ray’s commitment to his family extended beyond providing; he was actively involved in their lives—whether teaching them how to drive, driving the activity bus to school sporting events, attending his sons’ football games and wrestling matches, or teaching his children the value of hard work and perseverance.

Ray and Marilyn created a home filled with love, laughter, and the Lord, supporting each other through life’s ups and downs. Ray’s kindness, sense of humor, and easygoing nature made him easy to visit with, whether at the coffee shop, community activities, or worship services.

Ray attended the Garrison Country School through the eighth grade and then helped his parents on the farm. He enlisted in the United States Army and served from June 1954 to May 1956. In 2016, as a result of his military service, he was honored with an Honor Flight trip to the National Mall in Washington, D.C., accompanied by his son Jim as his guardian, 60 years after his honorable discharge.

On September 22, 1957, Ray married Marilyn Wiggins, and they shared over 68 years of marriage. He worked in the shop behind their home, doing body and trim work, which allowed him to set his own hours and share meals with his family. Ray drove a school bus for 29 years on the Oketo route. He also did upholstery work for over 50 years, until his health no longer allowed him to continue. Ray owned and operated Ray’s Standard Service from 1969 to 1980, when he converted the station into the Big Dipper Café. After retirement, Ray enjoyed driving around the county, sharing stories of life in the 1930s and 1940s, and could often be seen around town selling his “whirly birds” made from pop cans.

Ray is survived by his wife, Marilyn; three of his four children: Janet (Dan) Hoover of Marysville; Raymond, Jr. (Donna) Oehm of Oketo; and Jim (Arlene) Oehm of Kansas City, Missouri; son-in-law Roger Dingus of Kearney, Missouri; 10 grandchildren: Ashley (Douglas), Kristen (Brandon), Levi (De), Kari, Brandon (Bailey), Kyle (Abby), Anthony, Kourtney (Evan), Nick (Leti), and Kailoni; nine great-grandchildren: Rhys, Liv, Felicity, Roy, Walt, Logan, Lucy, Ella, and Lindsey; two sisters: Ruby Harmer and Grace Saathoff, both of Marysville; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Judy Dingus, on March 11, 2026; four brothers: Rudolph, Everett, Orval, and George; four sisters: Marie Burd, Laura Shortle, Velda Shepherd, and Opal Cudney; and his in-laws, Jim and Mary Wiggins.

Visitation will be held Saturday from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at the Church of Christ, 200 S. 15th, Marysville. Ray’s Celebration of Life will begin at 2:00 p.m., officiated by his grandson, Levi Oehm. A graveside service will follow at the Marysville City Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons. Honorary pallbearers will be his sons, Ray and Jim; sons-in-law, Dan and Roger; and Gary Holley, Delmar Seematter, Sr., Adam Holst, and Doug Gabriel.

A memorial fund has been established and will be designated later. Contributions may be sent in care of Kinsley Mortuary, P.O. Box 147, Marysville, KS 66508.