Ray Darrell England

Ray Darrell England, 88, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2024 at North Point Skilled Nursing Center in Paola, Kansas.

Ray was born on October 12, 1935 in Lane, Kansas. He was the oldest son of James W. England and Hilda E. (nee Block). He moved to Paola, Kansas in February of 1944 with his mother and brother, Loren shortly after the death of his father. He attended Paola Schools and later graduated from Paola High School with the Class of 1953. He attended Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas.

Ray met his wife Janet in the summer of 1962 at the PlayMart and they were married September 15, 1963 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Block, Kansas. They lived on a farm in Hillsdale, Kansas until 1980 and then moved to Paola.

Ray was a farmer in the early years of their marriage. He went to work as a welding inspector at Kansas Iron Works in Paola and worked there until the business closed. He then went to work, also as a welding inspector, for Havens Steel in Ottawa, Kansas where he worked until he retired at the age of 72.

Ray enjoyed wood working, grafting pecan trees for the farm, gardening, and cooking ribs on his smoker. He was confirmed in the Lutheran Church and his faith was an essential part of his life. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren in all of their various sporting activities and any team on TV, but especially the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals.

Ray is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Loren Lee England. He is survived by his wife, Janet of Vintage Park in Paola, three daughters, Debbie (Richard) Bogner of Fort Smith, Arkansas, Kathy (Joe) Auten of Olathe, Kansas and Jayme England of Pacific Grove, California, 5 grandchildren, Andrew (Tori) Bogner, Emily Bogner, Madison Auten, Joel (Haley) Auten and Nathan Bogner. 1 great- granddaughter, Carlyn Bogner and 2 great grandsons arriving in June 2024. He is also survived by his two brothers, Ronny and Rick Debrick, brother and sisters-in laws, nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Monday, February 19, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. with funeral following at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Block, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Trinity Lutheran Church, 34868 Block Rd, Paola, Kansas 66071, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary-Paola Chapel 305 N. Pearl St. Paola, KS 66071.

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