Funeral services for Ray C. Newell, 96, Lawrence, will be 2 pm, Friday, November 5, 2021, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. A visitation will be Thursday, November 4, 2021, from 6-7 pm.
Ray passed away Thursday, October 28, 2021, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.
He was born December 24, 1924, in Ozawkie, the son of Carl “Shorty” Henry Newell and Mary “Liz” Elizabeth (Ray) Newell. He completed his diploma from the Lawrence Public Schools after serving in the US Army from 1943-1945.
Ray worked in multiple fields but was particularly proud of the time he spent as a book binder at the Lawrence Journal World and Lawrence Printing Service, where he was foreman. He would often mention with pride how he worked as a book binder for 53-years.
He was a devoted member of the First Assembly of God Church (now 360 Church) all his life. He was an usher, church bus driver, Sunday school super intendent, and devoted board member. He never missed a Sunday if he could help it.
Ray married Dorthey J. Anderson on June 17, 1951, in Lawrence, at First Assembly of God Church. She preceded him in death December 18, 2003, after 52 wonderful years of marriage.
His survivors include four daughters, Sondra Banta (Chris), of Lee Summit, and Darla Jacobs, Denise Posey (James), and Karla Westphal (Matt), all of Lawrence; 6 grandsons, Jason Jacob (Jennifer), Matt Jacobs, Benji Jacobs, and Taylor Posey, all of Lawrence, Michael Jacobs (Stephanie), of Cameron, and Andrew Banta (Laura) stationed at an Air Force base in Japan; 3 granddaughters Heather Bazen (Jason), of Phoenix, Emily Jacobs, of Kansas City, and Megan Posey of Tulsa; 15 great grandchildren; and 1 great, great grandchild.
Ray was preceded in death by his wife, parents, brother Benjamin W Newell, and sister Katherine M Percifield.
He was a farm boy who enjoyed country music, vegetable gardening, playing guitar, and cowboy movies. His other passions included collecting cars, NASCAR, WWE, dad jokes, and going to McDonalds to have coffee with the gang. A proud sand rat, Ray lived in North Lawrence for over 50 years. Ray was a devoted family man who enjoyed family trips to Branson every year from 1964-2000. He loved Silver Dollar City, his country music shows, and frog legs. He loved his role as a father, grandfather, and great grandfather- he never missed birthdays, holidays or major events within his families lives if he could help it.
The family suggests memorials to 360 Church and Lawrence Humane Society, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260 Lawrence, KS 66044.
We were so sorry to hear of Ray’s passing. He was a wonderful patient. May his memory forever be a blessing.
Sorry about the loss to the family he was always one of the first at the reunion every year and will be greatly missed
Sorry for your loss we are praying for you and your family. May god bless all of you.
We were lucky to have Ray & Dorthey as neighbors when we moved into our North Lawrence home in 1981. Ray amazed me, from his mowing the lawn for years for another neighbor who needed help, to his brisk daily walks which kept him in excellent shape. Though we’re happy to have Denise as our neighbor now, Ray’s sweet presence will always be missed.
Dear Family,
We have been out of town and just learned of your dad’s passing . Now he is home and smiling at you for wasting your tears. We will miss him, seeing his smile and his welcoming hand shake. We will be thinking of you and remembering.
I met Ray when I started to work in the bindery at the World Printing Service at the age of 18 and then at the Lawrence Printing Service. I called Him Raymond at first because i knew he did not like the name, but if someone else called him that name he would say no one can call me that except John and returned he called me “John boy.” We always called each other that and it stuck for all the rest of our lives. My sympathy to the girls and family. I will not forget Ray.
So sorry for you loss. May his memories live with you forever
So sorry for your loss. May your many memories bring you comfort & God give you and your family peace.
Ray I sure do miss you when I open my door to goto the elevator I hear your tv I sure do. Miss that you watch price a right I can hear that on the hallway and when you go to your room I can hear you singing gospel music I am going to miss that love ya big guy prayers goes to your family love your neighbor
So sorry to hear about Ray. My grandma (Margaret Herzog) and I used to run into him all the time at Walmart. Such a sweet man. He will definitely be missed.
condolences to Rays family His girls) and others about Ray passing. Worked with him a lot of years and just saw him not too long ago and he was the same ole Ray when I asked him how old he was and relied: 69 which meant he was 96. I called him “Raymond ” and He called me john Boy. there should have been more like him.
John Howard
We are sorry for your loss. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sorry to hear about a family member passing. Always saddens my heart. A very sweet man. May he “rest in peace ” .
Ray will be missed, loved his spirit, so welcoming. Though welcomed home he will be missed here.
Ray was such a sweet person, I m so sorry to his family.
Sondra Denise Carla Darla
Again ray was a wonderful person he will be greatly missed . From Debbie Harry Jason Erin Chris Angie and Brooke
Carla Darla Denise
So sorry to hear about your dad he will be greatly missed. He was a great person
Thank you Ray for raising 4 wonderful daughters. I am very blessed to have married the youngest. She is definitely a blessing. As you were to me as my father in law.
Your home now Uncle Ray. I am so glad mom, and I had chances to go get lunch several times before you and mom passed, as well as visit on the phone. . Love you!
So very sorry to see this. Love your family very much.
Sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. So many great memories with your family.