Ray was raised on a farm in New Jersey. He and his older brother John helped their father with the produce crops. Through his school years, Ray was known as R.E.D. to many. He and his brother John would hook the wagon to the horses, load it with the seasonal produce and go to town to sell with their father. The produce crops were their main income throughout the year. Ray remembered his dad giving produce to many who could not afford to buy or often traded items. One was the local butcher; they would trade produce for meat.
Ray joined the Army on September 22, 1943, served in WWII as a Sergeant until March 3rd, 1946. He proudly served his Country in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater US, Southern Philippines. He earned the Rifle Marksman Combat Infantryman Badge, World War II Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, Distinguished Unit Badge and Good Conduct Medal with 2 Purple Hearts.
After the service he became an entrepreneur, a salesman by trade learning the technique from his father. He ran several auto dealerships, an automobile shop, was a plumber and many other trades over the years.
Ray married twice, the first marriage he welcomed his daughter, Kathy. The second marriage he welcomed his daughter, Karen. Ray went on to spend 18 plus years with the love of his life, Jan Jamison. During their retirement years, they traveled the country selling at Flea Markets. Ray finally retired at the age 85, moving from Cut and Shoot, Texas to Overland Park, Kansas to live with his youngest daughter.
Ray enjoyed his last 10 years with family, going out to eat and taking car rides. His love of baseball led him to cheer for Kansas City Royals, watching their every televised game. He looked forward to seeing the Christmas lights throughout Kansas City, watching family put up lights and the family holiday gatherings. Ray enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren spending time with them when possible. He will always be remembered as the traveler in the family, who truly enjoyed the celebration of his life together the last 10 years. Loved dearly and will be missed greatly!
Raymond E. Dyksen was preceded in death by his parents, Caroline (MacDougall) Dyksen, Cornelius John Dyksen and siblings John Dyksen, Addie Nelms, Caroline Adams, Margaret (Margie) Sisco, Marina (Renie) Leydekkers, Matt Dyksen and his oldest daughter, Kathy Dyksen. Ray is survived by his daughter, Karen Flower, four grandchildren, Dawn Fernandez, Melody Fernandez, Trenton Kampe, Curtis Kampe, his son-in-law, Ryan Russi and several great-grandchildren (Malachi, Hollie, Ethan, Blake, Zoe and Emily).
