Raymond George Remp

Raymond George Remp died peacefully at home on August 3, 2020 in Topeka, Kansas, two weeks before his 86th birthday.
Mr. Remp is survived by his wife of nearly 62 years, Norma Jean Sommers Remp; children, Marcia (Randy) Weseman, Lawrence, Raymond George (JoAnn) Remp, Jr., Norm (Kathi) Remp, and Pamela O'Neal, Tucson, AZ; grandchildren, Courtney Bone (Andy Murley), Albany, CA, Kimberly Remp, Judson (Andi) Bone, Milwaukee, WI, Melanie Remp, Mission, Taegan and Keaton Remp; Michael Crandall, Essex Junction, VT and Vanessa Crandall-Grassi, Cumnocsk, Scotland. Mr. Remp is preceded in death by his parents and siblings.
Raymond Remp was born on August 20, 1934 in Pittsburgh, PA to Stanley and Dorothy Calloway Remp. He was the oldest of five children: sisters, Dorothy "Sis" Bienvenido,
Elsie Steese, and Patsy Morris, and brother, John "Jack" Remp. He attended McKeesport Area Senior High School in McKeesport, PA. He joined the Air Force on his 17th birthday prior to graduating from high school. He earned his GED while in the Air Force. He also completed requirements to earn a diploma from McKeesport High School in 1955. Mr. Remp took many college and university courses during his adult life. Yet, he was most proud of his diploma from McKeesport Area High School that he received in 2005 and proudly displayed for the last 15 years.
While a young airman, he married a young WAF, Phyllis Haynes and they had a daughter, Pamela. They divorced a short time later while he was overseas, stationed in Japan. On December 7, 1958, Raymond married Norma Jean Sommers in Denison, KS. For the next six decades they did nearly everything together, except when the Air Force sent him overseas. During their marriage, he was stationed at Forbes Air Force Base, Topeka; Sembach Air Force Base, Germany, Holloman Air Force Base, Alamogordo, NM, during the Tet Offensive at Phu Cat Air Force Base, Vietnam, and Eielson Air Force Base, Fairbanks, AK. He had several temporary duty assignments including Greece and Turkey.
After retiring from the Air Force, Mr. Remp worked at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, the Chemistry Department and School of Pharmacy, University of Kansas, and the Coast Guard Payroll Center in Topeka. As well, he typically held at least one part-time job and sometimes two. Some of his favorite part-time jobs included projectionist at movie theatres on the bases where he was stationed, Radio Shack, and preparing taxes at H&R Block.
Raymond was active in numerous church and community organizations. In the early years, he helped operate Sunday School, was a Webelo Den Leader, a little league umpire, he played recreational softball and basketball, fished and hunted in many states, was active in the Northern Lights Citizen Band Radio Club in Alaska, and was an avid bowler and a member of multiple bowling leagues.
After retirement, Norma and Ray were active in Air Force Sergeants' Association where he served as President for a time and was the editor of the monthly newsletter for many years. He was active in American Legion Post 400, VFW, Sunrise Optimist Club, Masonic Lodge, two camping clubs, volunteered at popcorn socials for VA patients, Habitat for Humanity, North Topeka Outreach, and the American Red Cross where he helped run a canteen for soldiers shipping out during the First Gulf War, Ray and Norma were ubiquitous volunteers at Stormont Vail Hospital. Raymond served as an usher at First United Methodist Church and, with Norma, served as treasurer of their Keystone Sunday School class for more than 40 years.
Mr. Remp will lie in state during visitation from 6:30 until 8:30 on Friday, August 7, 2020 at Parker Price Funeral Home, 245 NW Independence Ave., Topeka, KS. A graveside service is scheduled for Saturday, August 8, 2020 at 1:00 PM at Rochester Cemetery, 1200 NW Menninger Road, Topeka. Due to the pandemic, friends are respectfully requested to wear masks at the outdoor service. Reverend Jeff Clinger, First United Methodist Church, will officiate at the outdoor service. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to First United Methodist Church at 600 SW Topeka, KS 66603. The family would like to especially thank Tiffany Thompson, Christina Njoroge, Nally January, Debbie Manger, and many other aides for their respect and care that allowed Mr. Remp to spend the last six months at home with Norma, in front of the picture window.