Raymond E. "Ted" Wary's Obituary
Raymond E. (Ted) Wary, 89, Columbus, died October 15, 2024 after being in failing health for a number of years.
Born September 7, 1935 in Salina, Ted was the son of Raymond Wary, Sr. and Alice (Ludes) Wary. He was raised on a farm on the banks of the Saline River in northern Saline County. He graduated from Sacred Heart High School in 1953 and enrolled at Kansas State University in Manhattan. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science. degree in Agronomy in 1958.
Ted and Connie Yeagley were united in marriage February 4, 1956.
He started his Cooperative Extension career in Butler County at El Dorado in September 1958 as an Assistant County Extension Agent in Training. In November 1959, he was promoted to County Extension Agricultural Agent and County Extension Director in Woodson County in Yates Center where he spent the next 10 years.
In July 1969 he moved to Cherokee County as County Extension Director and Agricultural Agent. Ted enjoyed his 38-year Extension career very much. His greatest satisfaction was providing information to anyone who asked, to enable that person to improve their way of life.
He had a weekly show, Ted Wary's Ag World on KKOW radio covering a wide range of topics. He loved meeting 'the guys' for coffee and breakfast at the local breakfast spot. All eight children were members of the Shamrock 4-H club and both Ted and Connie served several years as project leaders. He also found time to coach his boys in baseball. He loved supporting his kids and grandkids and was always in the stands watching whatever activity they were involved in, be it sports or the arts. He will forever be rooting on his beloved K-State Wildcats and watching old westerns on TV. He was a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church and was a member of the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus.
In February 1995, Ted decided to hang up his County Agent Career. But at 60, he wasn't ready for the 'rocking chair' so he started a new business. W.W. Enterprises did soil sampling and fertilizer recommendations as well as catering for large and small events. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters Barbara Hutchison and JoEllen Cripe and infant granddaughter Monica Wary, and a great granddaughter Lucy Dugan.
He is survived by Connie, his wife of 68 years, children Joleen Walden (Rick), Jeff Wary
(Anabelle), and Jay Wary all of Columbus; Jim Wary of Tulsa, Okla.; John Wary (Kimberley) of Rogers, Ark.; Janice Greer (Barry) of San Antonio, Texas; Joe Wary (MaryJean) of Colwich, Jill Shriver of Pittsburg; 23 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren, one sister, Marylyn Mischlich of Overland Park and numerous nieces and nephews also survive.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, October 29 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 115 West Walnut Street, Columbus, Kansas. Rosary and visitation will be at 6 p.m. Monday, October 28 at the church. Burial will follow the service at Park Cemetery, Columbus. Memorials may be made to the K-State Agronomy Dept.
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