February 21, 2025

Linn County News

Published February 26, 2025

Raymond “Ray” Eugene Holsman 80 years old of Pleasanton, Kan., entered into eternal rest with his Heavenly Father on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025 following a brief illness of cancer. Raymond was able to return home and live out his final days under the care of his two daughters and Mount Carmel Hospice staff. Raymond was the youngest of four children born to William Louie Holsman and Ella “Babe” Ada (Umphenour) Holsman.

Raymond graduated Pleasanton High School in 1962. Two days after graduating, Raymond began his service with the United States Navy. During his naval service he was stationed in San Diego, Calif., Jacksonville, Fla., Oceania, Va., and even as far as Iceland. During his four years of service he attained the rank of 3rd Class Petty Officer and trained as an aviation electrician. While serving his country he married his high school sweetheart, Elda Kay (Dudley) Holsman on Dec. 27, 1964. After his naval service, Raymond worked for LearJet in Wichita, Kan., before returning to Southeast Kansas to begin a 34-year career with Trans World Airlines (TWA). He retired from TWA in 2001. 

Following his retirement Raymond enjoyed working for Neal Manufacturing wiring trailers and later working in the parts department for Cox Motor Company. Raymond enjoyed hunting, trapshooting, and farming, but his greatest joy was making memories with his family. Raymond was a member of the First Baptist Church of Pleasanton, Kan., but he also regularly attended services via television with his special friend Carmen and with family and friends at other churches.

Raymond was a member of Masonic Lodge #33, Mound City, Kan.; the Supreme Council Scottish Rite Temple, Fort Scott, Kan.; and IAM Local #778, Kansas City, Mo.

Raymond was preceded in death by his wife of 49 ½ years; both of his parents; and a sister, Kathryn Irene Holsman. Survivors include his two daughters Kathy Secrest (Jesse) and Heidi Martinez both of Pleasanton, Kan; ten grandchildren: Kelsey, Kaitlyn, Autumn, Shawn, Hunter, Jacob, Caleb, Mason, Morgan, and Erika; as well as six great-grandchildren: Hudson, Emmi, Colton, Kinlee, Axel, and Ancil. He was also looking forward to the arrival of another great-grandson. Raymond is also survived by two siblings: Lorene Dean of Desoto, Kan., and James Holsman of Pleasanton, Kan.; along with many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025 at the Schneider Funeral Home, Pleasanton Chapel. Burial will be in the Pleasanton Cemetery. Masonic service will be 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, at the Pleasanton Chapel. Visitation will follow until 7 p.m.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Pleasanton High School Trap Shooting. Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.