Raymond Wilburn Oeth of Elberfeld received his heavenly reward June 18, 2013 at St. Mary’s Hospital.

 

Raymond was one of four children; he was born February 18, 1924 to George and Florence (Wolfinger) Oeth.

 

He is survived by two sisters; Vera McCutchan of Evansville; Irma Morgan of Tavares, Fla. and preceded in death by a sister, Venita Schultz of Elberfeld.

 

Raymond was married to Emily Jane (DeWeese) Oeth on June 11, 1947 and they shared 56 years of marriage until her death in 2003.

 

Raymond was a farmer and a business man, who operated a Standard Oil Station and started trucking in 1945. He with Clenneth Kohlmeyer owned O.K Farm Service and Elberfeld Feed & Hardware. He founded Oeth Farm Services in 1979 and was still active in its management at the time of his death.

 

Raymond was a 1st Lieutenant in the Army Air Corp and served as a Pilot with the 5th Air Corps, 380th Squadron in the South Pacific during World War II for three years. He then served in the reserves for several years and retired with the rank of Captain.

 

Raymond was an Honorary Life Member of the American Legion Post 351, where he served as Commander as well as other offices over the years. He was a member of Zion United Church of Christ in Elberfeld and served on the Church Board. He was also a member of Southern In. Antique Machinery Club and Warrick Co. Agricultural Hall of Fame. He also served as a Scoutmaster with the Boy Scouts of America.

 

He enjoyed singing with his four children “Oeth Family Singers” and performed at many church, Legion, and patriotic functions. He also enjoyed his extensive collection of antique John Deere, International and Ford Tractors.

 

Surviving are his three sons and wives, Steven and Marsha Oeth; Michael and Darlene Oeth; Robert and Debby Oeth all of Elberfeld; and daughter and son in-law, Jane Ann and Dave Hamby of Haubstadt. Nine grandchildren, Kimberly “Jay”Ross; Jennifer VanHoosier; Melanie “Andrew”Klipsch; Steven and Summer Oeth II; Michelle “Jason”Allen; Rusty Oeth and Elizabeth; Trishka “Brandon” Cross; George Oeth and Bobby Oeth. Seventeen great-grandchildren, Brittney Miles, Nastassja Klipsch, Reuben Ross, Ian Anderson, Brooke Miles, Sammy Ross, Lillie Klipsch, Coretta Anderson, Izabella Klipsch, Blake Miles, Jascinda Cross, Gabriella VanHoosier, Emily Cross, Breeanna Cross, Genavieve Klipsch, Alexis Allen and Emily VanHoosier.

 

Services will be held at Zion United Church of Christ in Elberfeld at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 25. Officiating the service will be Pastor Janet Buente and Rev. Jack Ulrich with burial at Zion United Church Cemetery in Elberfeld.

 

Friends and family may visit on Monday, June 24 from 1-8 at the Titzer Family Funeral Home, Volkman Chapel, Elberfeld (812) 983-4211 and from noon-2p.m. on the day of the funeral at Zion United Church of Christ.