After a four-month battle with cancer, Raymond J. Mersman, 87, of Overland Park, KS passed away September 4, 2021 at the Kansas City Hospice House surrounded by his family. The Rosary will be at 5 p.m. Thursday, September 9th at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 8311 W. 93rd St., Overland Park, KS with the visitation following until 7 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Friday, September 10th at Holy Cross Catholic Church. Graveside Services with Military Honors will be at 2 p.m. Friday at St. Boniface Cemetery, Scipio, Kansas.
Ray was born January 13, 1934, on a farm outside of Greeley, KS. The fifth child of John and Catherine (Rockers) Mersman, he moved to Scipio with his family and attended East Scipio Grade School. He continued his education at Richmond High School, where he served as class president. He was active in sports, and claimed his basketball team was the greatest in school history.
On July 5, 1954, Ray married his high school sweetheart, Henrietta Pickert, at St. Theresa Church in Richmond, KS embarking on 67 years of adventure. Two years after they were married, Ray was drafted in the US Army and sent to Heidelberg, Germany where he served at the 5th Army Headquarters. While in Europe, he was honored to be part of a select choir, performing at churches in several different countries. The highlight of his tour was a performance in Lourdes, France. He was always very proud to have served in the military.
Upon his discharge in 1958, Ray moved with Henrietta to Iowa, where he began a career in sales. Ultimately, Ray’s career took them from Iowa to Kansas to Missouri to Wisconsin and back to Kansas in 1996. No matter where they lived, Ray constantly sought ways to serve his community. He was the National Director of the Iowa Jaycees while he lived in Carroll, and a member of the Knights of Columbus for 69 years. Everywhere they made their home, Ray became involved with the parish, especially the choir, sharing his love of singing. A devoted father to his two children, Yvonne and Curtis, he instilled a love of music and sports, but his greatest gift to them was his love of the faith. The work ethic he learned as a youth on the farm carried through in every aspect of his life. Even upon his retirement in 1999, his days were filled going to daily mass, serving in the food kitchen, volunteering at fundraising events, mowing and clearing brush – he never lacked for something to do. He was an active member of the Holy Cross Knights of Columbus Council #11534 and was a member of the 4th Degree Assembly #3752.
In addition to his wife Henrietta, Raymond is survived by daughter Yvonne (Robert) Eubank of Owasso, OK and Curtis (Kathleen) of Prairie Village, KS; four grandchildren: Grant (Kerry) Eubank, Kyle Eubank, Amanda Eubank and Dalton Mersman; two great- grandchildren: Raegan and Cooper Eubank; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents John and Catherine Mersman, his brother Marvin, and his three sisters Carmelita, Hermena and Theresa.
Ray’s family is so grateful that he survived a massive heart attack in 1995 and that they were blessed with many more years together. He will be remembered for his love of faith, family and friends; his skill on the dance floor; and his unmistakable laugh. His need to be early for every event was infamous. He will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to Holy Cross Catholic Church or to the charity of the donor's choice.