Raymond Phillips, age 95, passed away on May 25, 2026, at Hays Medical Center. He was born to Caleb Phillips and Agnes (Henley) Phillips at Brownell, KS, on August 9, 1930.
In 1948, Raymond graduated from Trego Community High School. After graduation, he worked as a farmhand until 1951 when he was drafted into the United States Army. He attended basic training in Fort Riley, KS, and Fort Bliss, TX. Soon after, he was sent to Korea where he was promoted to Sergeant. He was a gun commander and ammunition chief.
When he came home, he attended college at Fort Hays State University and graduated in 1957 with Bachelor of Science degrees in Agriculture and Biology.
Raymond married JoAnn Cokeley in 1955. To this union, three daughters were born: Debra Rae, Pamela Kay, and Kathy Lou.
He had two brothers: Darrell and Willard. He also had two sisters, Ella Mae and Ardath.
Raymond taught school at Maple Grove in a one-room school which consolidated one year later. He then taught at Collyer Grade School and high school for seven years and they consolidated. St. Peter was his next stop in teaching where he taught for four years before they consolidated. In Morland, he taught 7th and 8th graders and coached all sports for both boys and girls. He retired after 35 years teaching at Morland High School. Ray belonged to National Education Association (NEA) and Kansas National Education Association (KNEA). He was a lifetime member of the American Legion and the VFW.
In 1957, Ray decided to open an upholstery shop which he ran until 2018. He also loved farming. He did so in Rush & Trego County until 2017.
Some of the things that Ray enjoyed were roller skating, hunting, fishing, and playing pitch with his wife and daughters.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings (Ella Mae, Darrell, and Ardath); his eldest daughter, Debra Rae; and the love of his life, JoAnn (67 years of marriage).
He had five grandsons, one granddaughter, and fourteen great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 29, 2026, at Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 N. 12th Street, WaKeeney, Kansas. Burial will immediately follow the funeral service at WaKeeney City Cemetery.
The family requests memorial contributions be made to TCLMH Cardiac Rehab Services and may be sent in care of Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 N. 12th Street, WaKeeney, KS 67672.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.schmittfuneral.com.