Raymond Lee Ethell

Raymond Lee Ethell, 92, formerly of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2025, at the Journey Home in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.

Raymond was born on January 19, 1933, in Persing, Iowa, to George William Ethell, Sr. and Matilda (Lankford) Ethell. He grew up in Attica, Iowa, graduating from the Attica Consolidated High School. After high school, he went on to attend the American Institute of Business, receiving an accounting degree. In May of 1952, Raymond was drafted into the United States Army, serving in the Korean War.

On June 21, 1958, Raymond married the love of his life, Gwendolyn “Kay” Sloan, in Phoenix, Arizona. Together the couple had two children: Ray Lee and Cindy Kay.

Raymond was a man of many talents and considered a jack of all trades by those that knew him. Throughout his lifetime, Raymond had a desire to continue learning and did so by reading. His philosophy was, “Read one hour a day on any subject and become an expert on that subject within a year”. Raymond took several state tests to be certified in several different trades including Business, HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing, and Social Work.

Raymond was not only very intelligent, but he was also a down-to-earth man, who had a good sense of humor and truly knew people. Most of his family vacations were taken helping people, whether someone in the family needed a new roof, or other help around their home, Raymond was always a helping hand to those in need. In his free time, Raymond loved to spend time with his dog, Colt 45. He enjoyed doing woodworking, playing cards, reading, collecting coins, and in his younger years, he liked to fish and hunt and be in the great outdoors. He will be missed by those who loved him.

Those left to cherish the memory of Raymond include his children: Ray Lee Ethell, Jr. and his wife, Lori of Bartlesville, OK, and Cindy Kay Ethell of Des Moines, IA; his grandchildren: Timothy Ray Ethell and wife, Anita of Salem, OR, Katherine Elizabeth Ethell of Dewey, OK, Zachary Bradley Ethell of Copan, OK, Patrick Ray Binder of Houston, TX, and Daniel Lewis Ethell and wife, Sadie of Des Moines, IA; his great-grandchildren: Saoirse Marie Ethell of Salem, OR, Anya Lori Ethell of Salem, OR, Abigail Kay Binder-Leaming of Hillsboro, OR, Kamron Dean Binder of Des Moines, IA, Fayth Anne Binder of Des Moines, IA, and Joel Ray Binder of Des Moines, IA; and his sisters: Leona Steele and Carolyn Hoffman.

Raymond was preceded in death by his parents: George and Matilda Ethell; his wife: Gwendolyn Kay Ethell; and his siblings: George William Ethell, Jr, Sylvia Mae Randall, Harry Ethell, Helen Conn, Hazel Moore, Bonnie Jean Smith, Harold Edward Ethell, and Larry Ethell.

A Memorial Gathering will be in the Fellowship Hall from 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM at the First Wesleyan Church on Saturday, August 23, 2025, in Bartlesville, OK. Interment will be held on Friday, August 29 at 9:15 AM, at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter, IA, with a Celebration of Life to follow at 1:00 PM, in Des Moines, IA, at the Zion Lutheran Church, 4300 Beaver Ave. Arrangements are under the direction of Arnold Moore & Neekamp Funeral Home. To send an online condolence, visit www.honoringmemoriesbartlesville.com.