Raymond Kenneth King

Raymond Kenneth King passed away peacefully at his home in Stockton, Kansas on Monday, August 10, 2015 at the age of 90. He was born on June 15, 1925 to the late George and Floe (Koontz) Richards. In 1945 Raymond enlisted in the United States Army where he served in Germany during World War II as a prison guard for German POW’s. He quickly earned a reputation for being fair and respectful to all prisoners and was often quoted saying, “They were men just like me, doing what our countries told us to do.” Upon reentry to the United States, Raymond was honorably discharged and returned to Rooks County where he began a life of farming. He was an active member of the VFW Monroe-Taylor-Barnes Post #8873 of Stockton, played in the local bowling league, had a huge passion for the Woodston Card Parties, and enjoyed having lunch at the Senior Center. On February 12, 1982 Raymond married the love of his life, Shirley Patricia Clark. He instantly became a step-dad and grandpa which he immediately embraced whole-heartedly. He loved his new family as if they had always been his own, and they loved him just as much, most especially his grandkids. Raymond is survived by his sons Jim Giebler and wife Lisa of Keller, TX, Doug Iman and wife Barb of Elkhart, and Jeff Iman of Valley Center; daughter Diane Keirns and husband Ron of Stockton; brother Ken Lee Richards and wife Evelyn of Thompson, GA; sister June Levy and husband Robert of Calhan, CO; thirteen grandchildren; and twenty-seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents George and Floe Richards, and his wife Shirley King. Raymond was a man who embodied the values of a true soldier: loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage. A man of the “Hero Generation” who never thought of himself as a hero, but rather just a man doing what his country asked him to do. For his family and friends, who had the privilege of loving him and being loved by him, he will always stand as a true hero in our hearts and in our lives. Reception: VFW Post #8873