OSAGE CITY, Kan. – Raymond E. Bockus, 81, passed away Friday, April 22, 2022, at Osage Nursing Center, Osage City, Kan. Ray was born Aug. 7, 1940, to Ernest W. and Violet R. Bockus.

He came to Kansas in search of employment at the Tuttle Creek Reservoir construction site, eventually arriving in Osage City, where he met his future bride, Earlene Griffin. They were married Sept. 29, 1957. To this union, three children were born, Raylene Loschke (Frank), Brian Bockus (Denise), and Bradley Bockus (Colleen).

Ray was a carpenter, having built and repaired many homes in and around Osage City. Later, Ray and Earlene started Bockus Real Estate. He loved his family, his work, his pets, playing his guitar, drinking his coffee, mowing his yard, and an occasional neighborhood prank on Halloween.

He was proceeded in death by his parents; father and mother in-law, Earl and Lorene Griffin; sisters, Belva Mendenhall, Melva Waldron, Zelma Schnepp, Ethel Sugden, and Connie Summers; and his brother in-law, Jim Griffin.

Ray is survived by his wife, Earlene; his children; brothers, Richard Bockus (Peggy), and Harvey Kimes (Linda); sister in-law, Jane (John) Guion; brother in-law, Loren (Vinnie) Griffin; sister in-law, Judy Griffin; eight grandchildren, Jay (Kayla) Loschke, Kyle (Ashlynn) Loschke, Laura Loschke, Megan (Jason) Kellner, Kaci (Shane) Shore, Ellie Bockus, Danielle (Colten) Hoggatt and Brandon Bockus; six great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, May 14, at VanArsdale Funeral Chapel, Osage City. The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions can be made to Interim Home Care and Hospice or the Helping Hands Humane Shelter, and sent in care of VanArsdale Funeral Chapel, 107 N. Sixth St., Osage City, KS 66523. Condolences can be left at vanarsdalefs.com.