1920
Mr.
2013
Mr. Raymond Zawicki
January 28, 1920 — September 1, 2013
Raymond Francis Zawicki, 93, passed away peacefully at home in Mission, KS. Ray was the patriarch of his family and until his passing the oldest charter member of the Overland Park Church of Christ.
Ray was born Jan 28, 1920 to Joseph and Elizabeth Zawicki in Pittsburgh, PA. He was a caring big brother to his sister, Ruth Heisler, checking on her faithfully after her husband's passing.
Ray graduated from University of Pittsburgh with a BS degree in Pharmacy in June of 1942. He served as a distinguished Army veteran of WWII as a drill instructor for the 442 Japanese-American Brigade and as a chemical warfare officer. He ended his service as a Captain, but continued to serve for several years in the Army reserves.
After some friends introduced him to a pretty young lady, he married his one and only true love, Leota Obenhaus on Nov. 16 1945. They moved to the Kansas City area to establish their home. They were married for 58 years. He would tell anyone and everyone what a great team he and his wife were. He loved her all the days of his life. Ray and Leota had two children, Larry (Sue) Zawicki of Olathe, KS and Sherrill (Jerry) Myers of Topeka, KS. Ray was a devoted grandfather to Steven (Karen) Zawicki of Olathe, Ks, Raymond (Mary) Zawicki of Gardner, KS, Nathan (Ashley) Myers of Edmond, OK, Brad (Terra) Myers of Edmond, OK, and Susan (Josh) Fulks of Edmond, OK; and a loving great grandpa to his 12 great grandchildren.
Ray worked as the chief pharmacist for St. Luke's Hospital for 37 years. During his tenure the pharmacy staff grew to 55 people, and unit dose was introduced. Ray enjoyed being a pharmacist and has a large collection of mortar and pestles.
While his wife was alive, Ray enjoyed traveling. It was a source of pride for Ray that a 93-year old man still lived at home, cooked, and cared for his yard. He loved telling everyone that the doctor told him just keep doing what you're doing. He enjoyed sports, especially his Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers. He did the jumble and crossword puzzles every morning. He loved a good "polish" joke and a good polish dinner. He annually made the Kielbasa. He loved being outside and visiting with his neighbors and telling his children about the "goodies" they would bring him. He especially enjoyed the neighborhood children and kept "treats" for them for when they came to visit "Mr. Ray."
Visitation will be at D. W. Newcomer's Sons Overland Park Chapel, 8201 Metcalf, on Friday, September 6, 2013 at 10AM followed by a service at 11AM celebrating Ray's life. Burial will be immediately following at Floral Hills. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest contributions be made to Christian Family Services 10500 Barkley, Suite 216, Overland Park, KS 66212 or Tallgrass Christian Camp PO Box 482 Bonner Springs, KS 66012-0482.
Ray was born Jan 28, 1920 to Joseph and Elizabeth Zawicki in Pittsburgh, PA. He was a caring big brother to his sister, Ruth Heisler, checking on her faithfully after her husband's passing.
Ray graduated from University of Pittsburgh with a BS degree in Pharmacy in June of 1942. He served as a distinguished Army veteran of WWII as a drill instructor for the 442 Japanese-American Brigade and as a chemical warfare officer. He ended his service as a Captain, but continued to serve for several years in the Army reserves.
After some friends introduced him to a pretty young lady, he married his one and only true love, Leota Obenhaus on Nov. 16 1945. They moved to the Kansas City area to establish their home. They were married for 58 years. He would tell anyone and everyone what a great team he and his wife were. He loved her all the days of his life. Ray and Leota had two children, Larry (Sue) Zawicki of Olathe, KS and Sherrill (Jerry) Myers of Topeka, KS. Ray was a devoted grandfather to Steven (Karen) Zawicki of Olathe, Ks, Raymond (Mary) Zawicki of Gardner, KS, Nathan (Ashley) Myers of Edmond, OK, Brad (Terra) Myers of Edmond, OK, and Susan (Josh) Fulks of Edmond, OK; and a loving great grandpa to his 12 great grandchildren.
Ray worked as the chief pharmacist for St. Luke's Hospital for 37 years. During his tenure the pharmacy staff grew to 55 people, and unit dose was introduced. Ray enjoyed being a pharmacist and has a large collection of mortar and pestles.
While his wife was alive, Ray enjoyed traveling. It was a source of pride for Ray that a 93-year old man still lived at home, cooked, and cared for his yard. He loved telling everyone that the doctor told him just keep doing what you're doing. He enjoyed sports, especially his Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers. He did the jumble and crossword puzzles every morning. He loved a good "polish" joke and a good polish dinner. He annually made the Kielbasa. He loved being outside and visiting with his neighbors and telling his children about the "goodies" they would bring him. He especially enjoyed the neighborhood children and kept "treats" for them for when they came to visit "Mr. Ray."
Visitation will be at D. W. Newcomer's Sons Overland Park Chapel, 8201 Metcalf, on Friday, September 6, 2013 at 10AM followed by a service at 11AM celebrating Ray's life. Burial will be immediately following at Floral Hills. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest contributions be made to Christian Family Services 10500 Barkley, Suite 216, Overland Park, KS 66212 or Tallgrass Christian Camp PO Box 482 Bonner Springs, KS 66012-0482.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Mr. Raymond Zawicki, please visit our flower store.