Ray Herman Songs

Ray Herman Songs, 75, passed away Friday, January 12, 2024, at his home in rural Wabaunsee County, Kansas.

He was born on October 20, 1948, in Wamego, the first son of Chester Raymond and Bernadine Ella (Niedfeldt) Songs. Ray attended Hinerville District 15, a one room country school thru eighth grade and graduated from Wamego Rural High School.

He worked at several of the local gas stations before entering the U. S. Army. He did his basic training at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri, and after that was sent to Vietnam, where he became a tank driver and heavy equipment operator. He received the Purple Heart and a Bronze Star for his courageous service. After returning to Wamego, he worked for several construction companies as a bulldozer operator and dug many basements for new homes.  Ray was a member of the American Legion Post 32 in Alma.  He was also an active member of the historic Beecher Bible and Rifle Church where he served on the board of trustees and led many monthly meetings.  In his early years he enjoyed raccoon hunting and riding horses and activities at the Wamego Saddle Club.  He was also the " Herd Manger" for his wife's well known Saanen dairy goat herd. He loved going with her to club, county, and national shows throughout Kansas Nebraska Missouri, Oklahoma, and Colorado.

On May 2, 1970, he married Nancy Marie TenEyck, daughter of Alfred and Fern Erlick TenEyck. They recently celebrated 53 years together.  She survives at their home.

He is also survived by his daughter: Tina Marie McIntyre, and her husband, Larry; his three grandchildren, Bryant Michael Songs (Amber Sowell), Lucas Eugene McIntyre (Alicia Farmer), and Elizabeth Marie McIntyre (Kyle Ziegelmeier), all of Manhattan; his great-grandchildren, Eric Nowland, Nevaeh Sowell, D’Leah Songs, Doniella Songs, and Azalea Songs; his two sisters, Carol Hansing of Ridgecrest, California and Bonnie Palenske of Wamego; and a brother, Timothy Songs (Julie), of Alma; his brother-in-law, John Hesse of Meridan, sisters-in-law, Teresa Songs and Cynthia Songs: and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Ella Hesse and Jacquline Wohler; and two brothers, Dennis Songs and David Songs; and brothers-in-law, Richard Hansing, Virgil Wohler and James Palenske.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, January 27, 2024, at Campanella and Stewart Funeral Home in Wamego. Inurnment will follow in Wabaunsee Township Cemetery.  The family will greet friends, prior to the funeral service, beginning at 9:30 am.  They suggest memorial contributions to the Alma American Legion Post 32 or the Beecher Bible and Rifle Church, and those may be sent in care of the funeral home.  Online condolences may be made at www.campanellastewart.com.