LYNDON — One of the last of “The Greatest Generation,” Raymond Clyde Goldsmith, Lyndon, died Tuesday, April 19, 2022. He was 95.
He was born Sept. 21, 1926, to Ora Clyde Goldsmith and Laura Burkdoll Goldsmith on a farm east of Lyndon, on land first homesteaded by Goldsmiths in 1879. He grew up with his brothers, Gerald, Curtis and Rodell. Farming was part of his DNA, something he always loved and found fulfillment in. He was a star athlete for the Lyndon High School Tigers’ football team, going undefeated in both 1943 and 1944. His senior year at Lyndon High School was interrupted when he entered the United States Army and was deployed to Okinawa, and then Korea.
At the end of his service, Raymond met Ann Bowen in Temple, Texas, beginning a 73-year romance. They were married March 19, 1949, in Belfalls, Texas, and then took up running a farm together back near Raymond’s old stomping grounds between Lyndon and Quenemo.
Raymond became a soft spoken, humble giant in Osage County, earning a well-deserved reputation as one who never gave up through the toughest of times in farming. But more importantly, he was a man of high integrity, morals and ethics. His word was his bond. He was a loyal friend and relative. The result is that he became not only successful in his business, but also more importantly, in his life. In recent years, as Ann’s health declined, he was a full-time caregiver for her until her death, Dec. 22, 2021. And he did it with determination, even as his own physical condition declined. His passing is an occasion of not only profound grief, but also celebration that he is again with the great love of his life, as well as other loved ones who were waiting for him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers and his wife.
Raymond is survived by his sister-in-law, Eleanor Goldsmith, Augusta; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Harry and Beatrice Chollett, Temple, Texas; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and many others who considered themselves his adopted adult children.
His family wants to give many thanks to Laurie Bunker, of Home is Where the Heart Is, Osage City, for coordinating 24-hour nursing care, and to Elara Caring Hospice, Topeka, who made it possible for Raymond to accomplish his final goal to pass away comfortably in his own bed, in his own home, on his own farm. Raymond was loved by all, and we all will miss him greatly.
Graveside services with military honors were 2 p.m. Monday, April 25, at the Lyndon Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made payable to Lyndon High School Honor Flight, and sent in care of Feltner Funeral Home, 818 Topeka Ave., Lyndon, KS 66451.
Condolences may be left at FeltnerFuneralHome.com.
