Raymond Strand Kramer

Raymond Strand Kramer, 98, of Owensboro, KY, passed away on May 29, 2024, surrounded with love and his family. He has now joined his Lord and Savior.

Raymond was born on May 18, 1926, in Chicago, IL, to the late George Walter and Rakle Eleanor Strand Kramer. From a young age, Ray demonstrated a strong work ethic, beginning his career as a paperboy in Chicago. He graduated from Lindblom High School and soon after enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps, where he qualified as a pilot and served during World War II.

Following his military service, Ray enrolled at the University of Illinois, earning a degree in General Engineering with the class of 1949. After completing his education, he embarked on a long and distinguished career as an engineer with Texas Gas, retiring after 40 years of dedicated service.

Ray was a devoted member, elder, and trustee of First Presbyterian Church, where he taught the men's Bible class for over 67 years and sang in the church choir for 70 years. He served on the Committee of the Ministries of the Synod of the Living Waters and was selected as Chair of the Committee through his involvement and leadership in the church. His deep faith and commitment to his church community were evident to all who knew him.

Ray was deeply committed to community engagement and supported numerous causes. He served on the Board of Directors for the local Red Cross, Buckhorn Children's Foundation, and Owensboro Public Library. He was also a long-time member and secretary of the Investigators Club.

An avid traveler, Ray loved to explore the world, often journeying with the Friendship Force International. He loved spending time in his garden and enjoyed playing golf, softball, and going bowling,  all adding to his diverse range of interests and activities.

Ray leaves behind a legacy of service, faith, and adventure. His presence will be deeply missed by all who had the honor of knowing him.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Winifred Jennings Kramer, and grandson Collin Poynter.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 23 years, Nancy Luckett Truitt Kramer; children, Frederick Jennings "Fritz" Kramer (Christy), Raymond Strand "Stan" Kramer Jr. (Evelyn), Margaret Ruth Kramer Seiffert (Jim); grandchildren, Kirsten Vance Kramer Carey (Andrew), Raymond Strand "Trey" Kramer III (Gabrielle), Meredith Jennings Seiffert, Claire Kramer Seiffert Tidmore (Jake), Jameson Mansfield "Jack" Seiffert (Brittany), Sarah Jane Cole (John), Michael Brian Cole (Ann), and Madison Stoll Kramer; Nancy's children, Julia Poynter (Rod), Glenn Truitt (Tammy), Diane York (Gerald), Christie Humphrey (Kevin); Nancy's grandchildren, Holley Craig (James), Ellie Humphrey, and Allison Giuffrida (Marc); and great-grandchildren, Rhodes, Virginia, Alex, Kennedy, Eleanor, Alex, Evan, Palmer, Cameron, Lachlan, Ryder, Sawyer, Greyson, Wyatt, Myles, Emerson, Mackenzie and soon to arrive twins Aiden Thomas and Miles Raymond. 

 The funeral service for Ray Kramer will be held at 12 p.m. on Friday, June 7, 2024, at First Presbyterian Church. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at Glenn Funeral Home. Burial with Military Honors will take place at Elmwood Cemetery following the funeral.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church or a charity of one's choice.

Messages and condolences for the family may be shared at www.glenncares.com.