Raymond John Buck

Raymond John (Ray or Papa) Buck, 90, of Cherryvale, Kansas passed away peacefully on November 29, 2025 at Medical Lodge – Midland in Coffeyville, Kansas.

Born August 28, 1935 in Elmira, New York to Raymond and Margaret Buck, Ray grew up with strong values, a strong work ethic, and a love of working with his hands – qualities that shaped his entire life. His career was spent in many trades and he proved successful in every position he held. From owning his own mobile home repair company to working in manufacturing with Cobalt Boats, Emerson Electric, Western Publishing, and Gragg Cabinets, he was known for his craftmanship, leadership, efficiency, and the ability to get the job done. He was a man that built not only cabinets and other products, but also lifelong relationships and a reputation for integrity.

On August 28, 1964, Ray married Joyce Jolene Buck (Jones) in Dallas, Texas. Shortly thereafter, they moved their family to Cherryvale, KS. Over 53 years together they built a life rooted in family and commitment as they raised eight children and opened their hearts and home to many more young people with whom they shared parental love and guidance. Joyce preceded Ray in death in 2018 and their reunion is surely a celebration for them both.

One of Ray’s lifetime highlights was finding his siblings that were separated from him at a young age. Through state adoption records, he was able to locate all four of his siblings – two brothers and two sisters. Their reunions after being separated for fifty years were a joy to witness. They remained connected throughout the remainder of Ray’s life.

Ray was a member of the Independence First Church of the Nazarene where he helped with many projects in the name of the Lord. It was through the men’s group at the Nazarene Church that he learned and honed his woodcarving skills which he went on to share with others through his Friday night carving sessions. His children and grandchildren were often the recipients of his carving and wood working projects and they will always be cherished heirlooms.

He most recently attended New Hope Christian Church in Cherryvale, Kansas.

Ray is survived by his children, William (Cindy) Buck of Rutherfordton, NC; Victor (Pam) Buck of Cherryvale, KS; Marty (Shannon) Buck of Geneseo, KS; Jana Buck of Burlington, WA; Mary Buck-Harvey of Mabank, Texas; and Melissa Buck-Toombs of Mabank, Texas; seventeen grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren and many great-great grandchildren.

He is also survived by his siblings, Mary Weiss of Asheville, NC; William Buck of Hendersonville, NC; and his beloved foster sister, Joyce Finch of Elmira, NY.

In addition to his wife, Joyce, he was preceded in death by his father Raymond Buck, mother, Margaret Buck, the Foster Parents that raised him, brother James Buck, sister Betty Smith, son Marion Ray Buck, and daughter Melanie Buck-Wren.

A funeral service will be held at New Hope Christian Church in Cherryvale on Friday, December 5, 2025 at 11 a.m. with interment to follow at Fairview Cemetery. Officiating will be Pastor Jim Ledford. Family visitation will be held at Potts Chapel – Cherryvale on Thursday evening, December 4, 2025 from 5-7 p.m. In remembrance of Ray, the family encourages donations be made to chickadeecheckoff.com. 

Ray/Papa will be remembered for his quiet strength, skilled craftsmanship, unwavering dedication to his family, the strongest handshake, and the best bear hugs around. His legacy lives on in the lives he shaped and the love he gave so freely.