Raymond Lee "Ray" Flaharty Obituary (1937 - 2016)

Raymond Lee Flaharty was born on April 14, 1937 and passed away on May 21, 2016 surrounded by family in Bethlehem, PA at the age of 79. The third son of Earl Raymond & Gladys Lily Ford Flaharty was born at the doctor's office in McCune, KS where his family lived on a rural farm. He attended New Hope Grade School and graduated in 8th grade from Hyatt Elementary near Parsons. A Labette County High School Grizzly, he was active on the football and track teams until his graduation in May of 1954. After wrestling and defeating Wild Red Berry, he earned a football scholarship to Parsons Community College. He later transferred to Coffeyville Community College and then Friends University. In June of 1956 Ray married the love of his life, Jolene Wood, at Holy Name Catholic Church in Coffeyville, KS. They had a six week honeymoon that followed his wrestling contract from Fargo, ND south until the wedding of his older brother, Richard. They made their home in Wichita, KS where he worked at Boeing Manufacturing for 12 years and they welcomed their 4 children. Michaela Ann arrived in 1959 followed by Grant Raymond in 1961, Shaun Wood in 1963, and Vanessa Nanette in 1965. In 1968, Ray signed a contract with Sundstrand of Denver, CO resulting in the family calling Westminster their home for 35 years. He worked at Sundstrand, S & I products, Knewtson Manufacturing, & Preferred Machining until his retirement in July of 2002 when he returned to Coffeyville, KS. He came out of retirement in 2005 to play the role of "Curly" at Grant's guest ranch, The uXu Ranch, in Wapiti, WY for 6 years and then he proceeded to raise "youngins" with his eldest daughter in Bethlehem, PA for 4 years. While in Denver, Ray loved to be a part of the children's schooling and activities, coaching soccer, basketball, baseball, & football. He ran Bingo at Holy Trinity Catholic Church for 6 years where he was also in the second group of Eucharistic Ministers. He also participated in the Welby Knight's of Columbus organization, earning his 4th degree in Coffeyville. He joined the Elks Lodge in Westminster, eventually transferring to Parsons Elks #527 and spending 42 years with the group. He was also a member of the Edna Bears and Labette County Mounted Posse. He was an avid golfer, winning the Hiwan golf tournament in August of 1993. He took his youngest daughter as his date to the formal award ceremony. He also enjoyed deep sea fishing out of Cabo with friends from work and his annual Elk hunting trips out of the Steamboat area. Passionate about horseback riding and spending time with his grandchildren, he experienced great joy in sharing the Caney to Pawhuska trail ride with them for a number of years. This charismatic fellow is survived by his wife of 59 years and 325 days, Jolene. He is also survived by is his daughter Mickey of Bethlehem, PA; his son Grant & wife Heidi of Fruita, CO; his son Shaun & wife Evelyn of Dallas, TX; and his daughter Vanessa & husband Tom of Whitewater, CO. Ray has 6 phenomenal grandchildren that brought much joy to his life: Bobi Jo, Tara, Erin, Lance, Paddrick, and Raeleigh. He has also welcomed the 10 best great-grandchildren ever: Kyndra, Lillie, Daymien, Sloan, Gage, Declan, Vivvy, Conner, Teagan, and Fiona. He is survived by two brothers: Richard and his wife Sammy of Garden Plain, KS and Daniel and his wife Liz of Brandon, MS. He also has two nephews, Robert & wife Laurie of Wichita, KS and Kevin & wife Jennifer of Lafayette, LA, and three neices, Kathryn & husband John of Lakewood, CO, Cheryl & husband Rick of Lafayette, LA, and Marilyn & husband John of Eureka, KS. The deceased are his parents, Earl & Lily Flaharty and his brother Charles William Flaharty. A Rosary Vigil service will be at 6:00 p.m. Thursday, May 26, 2016 at Holy Name Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 27, 2016 at Holy Name Catholic Church with Father Chad Arnold officiating. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville. Friends may also call on Thursday, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the funeral home. The family suggests memorials to Holy Name Catholic School; contributions may be left with the funeral home or mailed c/o David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 North Cline Road, Coffeyville, KS 67337.