Raymond Allen Talmadge, 92, of Wilkes-Barre, passed in the comfort of his bed on Sunday , December 22,2024, while in the care of the Gino J. Merli Veterans Center, Scranton.

Ray was born in Wilkes-Barre on December 2, 1932. He was the last surviving of nine children of the late Elmer and Stella Featheroff Talmadge.

An Army veteran of the Korean war, Raymond was also a survivor of the horrific 109th Field Artillery train crash on Sept 11, 1950. Raymond attained the rank of Sergeant before being honorably discharged and returning home to the valley.

On November 29, 1952, Raymond married his love, the former Germaine Dering. Together they raised two children Allen and Diane.

Ray worked for Pennsylvania Gas and Water for over forty-five years as a storekeeper until his retirement in 1996.

He loved to be outdoors: hunting, fishing, camping, or hiking. Ray enjoyed spending time in his yard. He loved building projects and made sure everything was beautiful. He was also a member of the Plains American Legion Post 558.

He was preceded in death by his parents Elmer and Stella; sisters Elsie Ramsey, Betty Lonic, Constance Howe, and Joan Dale; brothers Elmer; John; Benjamin, and Thomas Talmadge.

Surviving are his loving wife Germaine; Scranton; daughter Diane Golya-Gatrell and her husband James, Jenkins Twp.; son Allen, Wyoming; daughter in law Susan, West Wyoming; grandson Jason Talmadge and his wife Michele, Swoyersville; along with several nieces and nephews.

Services for Raymond will be held privately by his family. Arrangements have been placed in the care of the Yanaitis Funeral Home Inc., Plains Twp.