Raymond “Ray” Baker Klingensmith, 86, of Evans City, PA, passed away on Tuesday, February 7, 2023, at his residence with his family by his side.
Born July 24, 1936, in Westmoreland County, PA, he was the son of the late Sylvester and Florence (Zimmerman) Klingensmith.
Ray was a graduate of Butler High School and then went on to serve his country honorably in the United States Air Force in Hawaii and New York as an aircraft mechanic. “Chief”, as he was known, worked as a crane operator at Armco until his retirement on February 27, 1999. Ray enjoyed card clubs, travel and photography.
Ray is survived by his five daughters: Raye Anne Wilson of TX, Lynda (Charles) Christy of Hilliards, PA, Kelly (James) Kane of Evans City, PA, Kerry (Brad) Leitem of TX and Shayna (Peyton) Fleming of MN, his son, Jon Klingensmith of TX, numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren & great-great grandchildren, his sister, Joyce Hammond and his long time companion, Margaret “Peg” Shultz, both of Butler.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Beryl Marie (Burns) Klingensmith, whom he married on June 14, 1958, and who passed away on May 8, 1992, and his granddaughter, Gwen Green.
All are invited to attend a visitation for Ray on Friday, February 17, 2023, from 11:00 – 1:00 at Thompson-Miller Funeral Home, Inc., 124 E. North St., Butler, PA 16001. A funeral service with full military honors will immediately follow at 1:00 PM at the funeral home.
Burial will be made at Riverview Cemetery in Apollo, PA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Ray’s honor to Veterans Affairs.