Ray Lumm

Ray Austin Lumm, beloved father, grandfather, and brother was called to Heaven to meet his Lord on February 2, 2023, at the age of 91.

Ray was born March 26, 1931, in Alluwe, OK. He was the 6th of 9 children born to Earl and Elvada (Minniear) Lumm.

Ray attended grade school and high school in Alluwe, OK, graduating in 1950. He joined the National Guard, while attending high school and his unit was called to serve in Japan during the Korean War. Ray always considered it a privilege to proudly serve his country and was honorably discharged in 1951 as a Sergeant First Class.

Ray married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Overfelt in 1952. To this union, three children were born: Pam, Dennis, and Kathy.

After Barbara’s death in 1963, Ray married Sandra Haywood. They were married approximately seven years before divorcing and they always remained friends. In 1979, Ray married Hazel Maggard. They were married until her death in 1995.

Ray began working for Phillips Petroleum in Odessa, TX, in 1952 and then transferred to Bartlesville, OK, until his retirement in 1986.

He was always a country boy at heart, raising cattle and hogs on his small farm in Nowata. He was an avid gardener, always raising enough tomatoes and produce to share with others. He loved to fish and will be remembered for his amazing sense of humor. Ray was a very giving man, often helping those less fortunate.

Ray was a dedicated member of the Nowata Ballard Lack VFW Post 2745, holding various offices through the years. He served on the Color Guard for many funerals and parades.

Grateful for sharing his life are his children; Pam (Jeff) Kolb of Prairie City, SD, and Kathy (Butch) Fink, Nowata, OK, his five grandchildren; Jennifer Kolb, Alyssa (Marty) Scharrer, Eric (Liz) Kolb, Dustin Fink, and Morgan Fink, his six great-grandchildren; Blake and Eli Scharrer, Emma, Jaden, Addison, and Lucas Kolb, his brothers; Albert and Roy Lumm, and his step-children; Betty Bailey and Sue Brewington.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara, his son, Dennis and his grandson, Jacob Kolb, his sisters; Mary Ruth Anderson, Edna Pickering, and Zella Linville, his brothers; Charles, David, and Billy Lumm, his wife, Hazel and his step-son; Bob Maggard.

The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Ray’s honor may be directed to Wounded Warrior Project. Arrangements have been entrusted to the caring staff at Benjamin Funeral Services. Online condolences may be made at www.honoringmemoriesnowata.com.