Ray V. Schapansky

Memorial services for Ray V. Schapansky, age 94, retired Fire Captain of Wichita, KS and longtime Clinton resident, will be held at 10:00 A.M. July 29, 2024, at the Pentecostals of Clinton Church formerly the Trinity Lutheran Church. The service will be officiated by Pastor Tamarreau Evans, under the compassionate direction of Lee Hometown Funeral Home. A Private burial will follow at Clinton Cemetery.

Ray V. Schapansky was born on June 17, 1930, on a farm Southwest of Weatherford, to Herman and Bonnie (Neufeld) Schapansky. He peacefully passed away on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City. Ray graduated from Weatherford High School in 1948 and bravely served with the Local 45th Division Battery “C” Field Artillery during the Korean War from 1951-1952.

On February 25, 1954, Ray married Deloris Ernst, and they shared 67 wonderful years together. His career as a firefighter in Wichita spanned from July 1954 until his retirement as Fire Captain in 1975. Following his firefighting career, Ray worked at Tautfest Appliance in Clinton and served as the Director of Public Works for the City of Clinton. He also dedicated years as a Rural Mail Carrier until his retirement on January 3, 1993.

Ray was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church for 67years. He had a passion for travel, exploring all 50 states alongside his beloved wife and family, achieving this milestone by 2009. During winters, Ray cherished time in Yuma, AZ, and Uvalde, TX, living life to the fullest in his recreational vehicle.

Mr. Schapansky is survived by his children, Deb (Rusty) Meadows of Elk City and Tony (Rose) Schapansky of Clinton; grandchildren Alisha, Casey, Cody of Elk City, Chazz, Cholee of Oklahoma City, Lucrettia, Destiny of Clinton and 14 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his wife Deloris, sons Terry and Ricky Schapansky, brothers Roy and Leon Dean, sister Bonalee, and daughter-in-law Yoli Schapansky.

In lieu of flowers, Ray requested memorials be made to the Lutheran World Relief Fund, reflecting his lifelong commitment to helping others.

This memorial celebrates a life well-lived, honoring Ray's dedication to family, community, and service. His memory will forever inspire those who knew and loved him.