Obituaries
Raymond Smith
Dr. Raymond C. Smith was born June 26, 1930, in Lincoln County Kansas to parents Reverend Ralph and Ruth (Tromble) Smith. Raymond died on August 10, 2023, at the age of 93.
Doc, or Ray as all his friends and clientele called him, was 20 years old on the 26th of June 1950. The Korean War had just started in May, and Ray got the request from Uncle Sam on July 10th to report for military duty in 60 days. In September, Ray and his best friend, Don Rhine joined the Air Force in Indianapolis, Indiana, and they were sent to Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. Raymond and Don, along with 1200 other troops were bussed to Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas. The base had been closed since the end of World War II and had grown up to weeds and disrepair of the facilities. They chopped down the weeds, painted and repaired the buildings. They continued their basic training there at Sheppard. After basic, Don was sent to Mississippi to school, and Ray entered the hydraulic classes in the H & E School. They both went to Indiana at Christmas, where Ray married his beautiful sweetheart, Betty Rhine, on December 26, 1950. Don, Betty’s brother, was his best man, and Ray’s sister Roberta was Betty’s maid of honor. In 1951, Betty and Ray became the proud parents of a beautiful little daughter they named LaJenda Rae.
After Ray finished school, he was sent to a Kamaki Air Base in Nagoya, Japan. During WWII Kamaki base was used by the Japanese Air Force. After 18 months, in February of 1954, Ray returned to the U.S. where he was discharged in September with the rank of Staff Sargeant. Ray, Betty, and LaJenda started school at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. LaJenda started first grade, Ray started classes at Purdue, and Betty started to work. After seven years, Ray graduated with a degree in Animal Husbandry and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, (DVM). LaJenda had graduated from sixth grade, and Betty got her PHT degree from Purdue. PHT stood for Putting Hubby Through. The three then started their practice of Veterinary Medicine in Sheridan, Wyoming, in 1963.
Their family continued to grow after they moved to Wyoming. They added Derrick in 1965, Lisa in 1966, and Stuart completed their family with his arrival in 1969.
Ray continued to practice Veterinary Medicine until his death. He never completely retired. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, an older sister, Reva (Smith) Green of Florida, two younger sisters, Roberta (Smith) Slack and Raydene (Smith) Green of Indiana, brother Reverend Robert Smith of Florida, and son-in-law Jim Barker.
Ray is survived by sister Rosie Blinn of Indiana and sister-in-law Julia Smith of Florida. Ray is also survived by his wife Betty of 72 years; daughter LaJenda Barker of Sheridan; son Derrick Smith of Thornton, CO; daughter Lisa (Randy) Schroeder of Wright, WY; and son Stuart (Megan) Smith of Casper, WY. Along with grandchildren Jamie (David) Newbrough; David (Shawna) Barker; Molly Barker; Aaron (Nicole) Alexander; Misty Alexander; Kendra Alexander; Riley Gallagher; Larissa (Travis Kulwicki) Smith; Elijah Uptain; Carmen Schramm and 24 great-grandchildren.
At Ray’s request, cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service with Military Honors is Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at the Ignite Sheridan Wesleyan Church, 404 W. Brundage Lane, Sheridan, Wyoming. Online condolences may be made to www.sheridanfuneral.com. Arrangements are under the care of Sheridan Funeral Home.
Cindy M Barnes
August 10, 2023 at 5:11 pm
Ray meant the world to all of us you all are in my prayers
Mike fordyce
August 11, 2023 at 3:32 am
One awesome person and great friend will be missed by all of my family condolences and prayers for all
George & Judy Taylor
August 11, 2023 at 7:11 am
Ray was a favorite friend, Vet & teacher (he always wanted you to know why & how he was doing a procedure) . He was a really wonderful & caring person. Our prayers are with you & our hearts are heavy.
Shannon Kris Walker
August 11, 2023 at 3:08 pm
I knew Ray when I first started in Animal Control. He would help me when I was lost and guide me along the way. He was a great person. Peace Be With You Ray Smith, Peace Be With You.
Jeanie
August 11, 2023 at 5:07 pm
I am writing this for my brother Oscar. Ray was one great guy. I sure will miss him. Take care Ray, Will see you again
Jerry Vine
August 11, 2023 at 5:39 pm
Ray was a great guy, May he rest in peace, prayers to his family 🙏🙏🙏
Jerry Vine
August 12, 2023 at 9:18 pm
Ray was a great guy, may he rest in peace, Prayers to his family 🙏🙏
Jo Ann Taylor
August 14, 2023 at 1:18 pm
Rest in peace to one of the best, I remember when he had his clinic in my parents house in Dayton. I got to help him. So much fun. He was a greatly friend to all.
sandra Benth
August 14, 2023 at 3:16 pm
Betty, LaJenda and Molly and grandkids,
I am so sorry for the loss of your dad and grandfather.
He will be greatly missed. Betty and kids you will be in my prayers.
Sandy Benth
Valerie Schuman
August 14, 2023 at 10:23 pm
My deepest sympathies to the family. Doc Smith was such a kind soul, by sharing his gift of helping animals with so many people. He will be truly missed. Betty, you and your family are in my prayers.
Shelly Vannoy Newton
August 15, 2023 at 2:43 pm
He was a hero to my sister and I with our pets and our milk cow Boss. I’m so thankful he knew Jesus. Whatever Dr. Ray said was gospel. I’m so sad.
Cindy Mitchell
August 15, 2023 at 6:25 pm
So many stories I could tell of his kindness with pets over the years, a truly gentle soul, sympathies and love to his family, you will be missed.
Christy Merha Stahl
August 15, 2023 at 7:44 pm
Great vet! We got one of our dogs from him back in the 60s! Thank you for all of your services over the years!
Diane Mitchell
August 16, 2023 at 12:06 pm
Condolences to the family. Ray was a great and kind man. RIP.
Darlene Westbrook
August 16, 2023 at 1:53 pm
My sincere condolences to Betty and family. Ray will be missed by many of us. Darlene Westbrook.
Susan Mckennan
September 8, 2023 at 12:36 pm
Rest in Peace .. Ray you are the Best . I love you . You were an amazing Friend . Obviously my favorite Veterinarian. Your Wife Betty is amazing.. Sending my love and Condolences to the Family. The world is definitely a different place without you .But thank you for the years of Friendship and the knowledge you gave me. What a gift you were in my life.