Raymond Ferren's Obituary
Raymond Lawrence Ferren, 99 of Centerville passed away October 8, 2019. Raymond was born on November 13, 1919 in Seymour to James & Eva (Ammons) Ferren. After graduation from Centerville Junior College, Raymond was employed with J. C. Penney Co. Raymond and his brother, Vernon, enlisted in the Army Signal Corps on December 10, 1942 and trained at Camp Crowder, MO. He was stationed in London, Paris, Salzberg and Vienna repairing teletype machines, returning home in 1946, having served 39 months. On returning home he resumed working at J. C. Penney Co. and was promoted to assistant manager. In 1949 he resigned from J. C. Penney and purchased an insurance agency in which he and his wife, Veon owned and operated until retirement. Raymond, a long-time member of Drake Avenue Church, served as a Deacon, Trustee, sang in the choir, men's quartet and played in the church orchestra in the 1930's. He was a member of the Chamber of Commerce and helped on the Pancake Day committee at the first Pancake Day in 1949 and many other years. He was also on the Centerville Ambassador Club for many years. In later years, he managed distribution of the Christmas Turkey Dinner for jail inmates and other needy families. Raymond was President, served as the zone Chairman and sang in the Lions Club Quartet. He later became a Rotarian and a Paul Harris Fellow. He was a Mason becoming a Master Mason, Secretary and a Shriner. Raymond is survived by his son, Philip and his wife, Donna, four grandchildren: Matthew, Andrew, Guin and Dr. Lynn Birchmier, five great-grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his mother, father, brother and his wife of nearly 70 years, Veon. Funeral service will be 1:30 pm, Monday, October 14, 2019 at Thomas Funeral Home in Centerville. Interment will immediately follow at Oakland Cemetery. Visitation will take place from 1-6 pm, Sunday, October 13, 2019 at Thomas Funeral Home with the family present from 4-6 pm. Memorials may be given to Drake Ave Christian Church or the Little Flock Chapel and condolences may be shared at www.thomasfh.com or facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Raymond Ferren please visit our Sympathy Store. Cemetery Details Oakland Cemetery State St.
N. 21st St.
Centerville, IA 52544 Visitation OCT 13. 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM (CDT) Thomas Funeral Home - Centerville 501 North 18th StreetCenterville, IA 52544[emailprotected] Funeral Service OCT 14. 1:30 PM (CDT) Thomas Funeral Home - Centerville 501 North 18th StreetCenterville, IA 52544[emailprotected]
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