Ray Schmalriede
Jan. 17, 1928~Aug. 3, 2016

Walter Ray Schmalriede, age 88, of Crawford, Texas, passed away August 3, 2016, at Hillcrest Hospital surrounded by family and friends.  Graveside service will be  10 A.M. Saturday, August 6, 2016, at the Crawford Cemetery under the direction of Foss Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Visitation will be 6-8 P.M., Friday at the First Baptist Church in Crawford, Texas. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Crawford or the church of your choosing.

Ray was born to Walter and Josie Schmalriede on January 18, 1928. Ray grew up and attended school in McGregor. He joined the US army and served in the Korean War. Ray was a farmer in the Crawford-McGregor area for years until opening his service station in Crawford. He was a retired rural carrier for the US postal service.

Ray married the love of his life, Hazel Mertins, in 1953 and they were happily married until her death in 2012. Ray was a member of the First Baptist Church of Crawford.  Ray was preceded in death by his wife, Hazel Schmalriede; granddaughter, Jessica Willis; brother, Leo Schmalriede; and sisters Dorothy Symank and Fay Hennig.

Survivors include sons: Keith Schmalriede and wife Melissa; Michael Schmalriede and wife Connie; daughter Cindy Willis and husband William; brothers: Bobby and Billy Schmalriede; sister: Cleo Gohlke; grandchildren: Kristal Willis, Thomas Merritt, Will Willis and wife Selena, Anna Starosta and husband Scott, Mason Schmalriede, Cassie Aelvoet and husband Chris, Constance King and husband C.K., Addison Schmalriede and wife BreAnna; great grandchildren Cade, Colton and Carter Aevoet, Emmalynn Schmalriede, Hailey and Paisley Warnock, Jordan and Lane Willis, and special friends Gilbert and Martha Mendoza and their children Andrew and Amanda Mendoza.

The family would like to express a special thanks to Scott & White Hospice