Charles Raymond Howard, age 86, of Ulysses, Kansas died Friday, May 24, 2013 at Bob Wilson Memorial Hospital in Ulysses, Kansas. He was born January 5, 1927 in Grant County, Kansas, the son of Arthur L. and Ruby L (Hampton) Howard.

Raymond was a lifetime resident and attended Grant County Schools. He served in the United States Navy during World War II and was aboard USS Beatty DD756. He was discharged in St. Louis, Missouri on July 2, 1946. He then returned to Grant County. On May 31, 1947, he married Mary Louise Delong of Freedom, Oklahoma. Two children were born to this union, Vivian Lea and Charles Wayne. Raymond spent 52 years in building and concrete construction with Tarbet Construction and Ready-Mix Company in street and highway construction. He retired July 31, 1999 at the age of 72. Raymond accepted Christ as his Lord and Saviour and joined the First Baptist Church of Ulysses. He was a lifetime member of Dexter D. Harbour American Legion Post #79 in Ulysses.

Raymond is survived by his wife, Mary, of the home; one daughter, Vivian Smith of Ulysses, Kansas; two grandsons, Bryan K. Smith and Schawna of Ulysses, Kansas, Christopher Howard and wife Lynne of Hernando, Florida; three brothers, Arthur and wife Beverly of Lakewood, Colorado, Ronald and wife Juanita of Longmont, Colorado, Richard Lloyd and wife Lorie of Fall River, Kansas; three sisters, May Ellison, Bessie Smith and husband Ray, Mary Lou and husband Buddy all of Roosevelt, Utah; one sister-in-law, Lottie Howard of Dallas, Texas; eight great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren. He has many nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; son, Wayne; and four brothers, Clifford, John, Kenneth and Levoy.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, May 29, 2013 at the First Baptist Church in Ulysses, Kansas with Pastor Steve Swann Jr. officiating. Interment will follow at the Ulysses Cemetery in Ulysses, Kansas with graveside military rites conducted by Dexter D. Harbour American Legion Post #79. Friends may call from 2:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Tuesday, May 28, 2013 at Garnand Funeral Home in Ulysses, Kansas. Memorial contributions may be given to the First Baptist Church or the Grant County Senior Center in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 405 W. Grant Ave, Ulysses, KS 67880.