aymond E. Sellmeyer, 96 entered eternal rest on Monday, June 7, 2021, at his home.
Raymond was born near Mingo Creek in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the seventh of eight children of Frank C. and Martha C. (Eckelkamp) Sellmeyer. He attended St. Francis Elementary School and graduated from East Central High School. His father passed away in 1939 when he was 14, leaving behind his mother, younger brother, Eugene, and Raymond to run the dairy farm. He and Eugene had a very close relationship, like none other! Though he grew up with less, he developed a strong work ethic, which he carried with him the rest of his life. 

He married the love of his life, Agnes A. Miller in St. Clements, Missouri, and they were married 70 years before her passing. Together they made their home in Tulsa, where he was a dairy farmer. In 1964, he and Agnes purchased and moved their dairy farm to Vinita, Oklahoma along with their seven children. He leaned on Agnes and depended on her greatly as a partner in all his ventures and accomplishments. Raymond truly loved the farm!

He was a member of the Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Vinita, Craig County Farm Bureau Board member for 40 plus years, a founding board member of the Tulsa Associated Milk Producers, Inc. (AMPI), member of the Dairy Farmers of America and the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association.

He is survived by his seven children: Jim Sellmeyer (Angie) of McAlester, OK, Carolyn Marshall of Adair, OK, Norma Virden (Wes) of Claremore, OK, David Sellmeyer (Julie) of Vinita, OK, Dorothy Harris (Glenn) of Tulsa, OK, John Sellmeyer (Julia) of Vinita, OK, Mary Leonard (Greg) of Afton, OK;

Nine grandchildren: Becky Delozier (Devin), Kristy Hill (Carl), Blake Virden, Heather Cox (Tim), Tyler Virden (Ashley), Jamie Sellmeyer, Emilie Martin (Zane), Kody Leonard (Shelby), and Katy Leonard (fiancée` Hesston);

Five great-grandchildren: Dax, Dade, and Dacen Delozier, Raylan Cox, and Henry Martin, one brother and sister in-law, Eugene Sellmeyer (Helena) of Collinsville, OK.

He was preceded in death by his wife Agnes, January 1, 2020; his parents, one granddaughter, Lauren Harris; his brothers, Arville, Malvin, Alfred, Romayne, Frank and a sister, Rosalee Izett.

Raymond so enjoyed people and loved a good party! He was the happiest when he was among family and friends, telling stories or giving someone a hard time. Also, he was quite a prayer warrior which carried him through many hard times. His children are convinced that dad is making up for lost time now, especially with his dad that he lost at such an early age. In later years, he and Agnes enjoyed traveling when time allowed. His “surprise” 80th birthday was one of his life’s most memorable events. He believed in hard work, but he also believed and stated many times, “that all work and no play, makes for a dull boy!” It is rare that one lives nearly a century, but he says, “I have lived a good life!”

The rosary and visitation was held Friday, June 11, 2021 at the Burckhalter-Highsmith Chapel in Vinita. The funeral service was held Saturday, June 12, 2021, at St. Mark Catholic Church in Pryor, OK. Burial followed at the Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Tulsa, OK, beside his wife Agnes.

Our dad was so blessed to be able to stay at home on the farm he dearly loved. The last two and a half years, he had the most magnificent caregivers that allowed him to continue his journey there. Preferred memorials to honor our dad, our suggested donations be made in Raymond’s memory to: Good Shepherd Hospice, 1120 NEO Loop, Grove, OK 74344.