Elmer L. “Sam” Raymer, 83, of Russell, Kansas, died on Saturday, March 29, 2014 at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas.

Elmer was born on September 22, 1930, in Pratt, Kansas, the son of Harvey and Corrine (Stephens) Raymer.  He grew up and attended school in Pratt where he lived until 1948.  He met fell in love and was united in marriage to Leona Markhart on November 08, 1947 in Wichita Falls, Texas.  From this union Elmer and Leona were blessed with 2 sons Michael and Curt.  Elmer and Leona moved to Russell in 1948 in order to take a job working for Cities Service Oil Company and worked there until he retired in 1995 as a head gang pusher.  He and Leona were members of the Trinity United Methodist Church.  He enjoyed square dancing, hunting, fishing and cruising around town in his old Jimmy Pickup.  Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandkids and great grandkids.

Surviving family include his wife of 66 years Leona, son Michael Raymer of Great Bend, Kansas and son Curt Raymer and wife Andra of Sapulpa, Oklahoma; niece/daughter Lynda Keys and husband Tom of Kansas City, Missouri; brothers Milton Raymer and wife Peggy of Great Bend and Calvin Raymer and wife Marie of Tyler, Texas; sister Esther Bernard of Placerville, California; grand-daughter Jennifer Logsdon and husband David of Russell, Kansas; grandson Clint Raymer of Hays, Kansas; great grandchildren Avery and Cooper Raymer of Hays, Kansas and Walker Logsdon of Russell, Kansas.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A gathering to honor Elmer’s life will be held at the family’s home from 2 PM to 5 PM on Wednesday, April 02, 2014, the family’s address is 620 W. 14th St. in Russell, Kansas.  Cremation has been chosen by the family. A private service will be done by the family at a later date. Memorials may be given to the Trinity United Methodist Church of Russell and sent in care of the mortuary.  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell is in charge of the memorial service arrangements.