Raymond Ferris

Raymond A. Ferris, 92, of Buchanan, Passed away peacefully on Friday, July 27, 2018 at Woodland Terrace, Niles. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:30 A.M., Thursday, August 2, 2018 at Swem Chapel, 301 W. Front St., Buchanan, MI with Pastor Nathan Babcock officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Buchanan, with military honors given by the Buchanan American Legion, Post 51 and the United States Navy. Those wishing to visit with the family may do so from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service. Memorial contributions may be made to Buchanan Christian Church. Online condolence may be made at www.swemchapel.com. Raymond was born on February 11, 1926, to Nelson and Elva (Norman) Ferris in Buchanan, MI. He served in the United States Navy aboard the LST-697. On October 11, 1947, he married Francena Mae Luster in Buchanan. They were lifelong members of Buchanan Christian Church. Raymond worked as a Tool & Die maker at Clark Equipment Company. He was the first president of the Michiana Rock and Mineral Society. Raymond was a family man, he took every chance he could to support somebody in a sporting event at any Buchanan School event. He was tireless and selfless, it always seemed he had time to help anyone that needed it or give a grandchild a ride somewhere. Raymond is survived by his children, Larry (Jane) Ferris, Lynn (Karla) Ferris, Ginger (William) Spence; grandchildren, Danielle (Douglas) Burgoyne, Tabitha (Nate) Zolman, Kevin Spence, Shannon Spence, Diane Ferris, Heather Ferris, Larry (Melissa) Ferris, Jeremy (Genesia) Ferris, Natalie Ferris, Kirsten (William) Zalas, Auston (Poloma) Ferris, David (Amanda) Ferris, Jacob Ferris, Tom Ferris, and Jarrod Ferris, numerous great- and great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Francena; brother, Norman Ferris; and sister, Florence Medlin.