Dr. Thomas Hamilton Raymond

surrounded by three generations of his loving family in his home in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Tom was born on April 15, 1931, in Kingman, Arizona, to Joseph Walker Raymond and Mildred

Crouch Raymond. Tom was always curious and pursued many interests during his lifetime.

During his childhood, Tom and his older brother John spent several years on the Hopi Indian

reservation in Arizona where his parents were Baptist missionaries. He spoke of these memories often. He treasured finishing his high school education at Wasatch Academy in Mount Pleasant, Utah, in 1949, where he excelled in his studies and on the track team.

Tom loved music, gizmos, and figuring out equipment. His hobby of communicating around the

world through amateur ham radio started at an early age and was a lifelong avocation. He earned his General Class Amateur Radio License in 1950 with call letters W5SIH. After attending John Brown University in Siloam Springs, he left to work for Boeing Aircraft in Wichita, Kansas, and later worked as an engineer for a local radio station. In Wichita, Tom met Anna Loewen (“Annie”) whom he credits with inspiring him to return to school for pre-medical studies. They met on August 10, 1951, and married on August 11, 1952. He described Ann as the love of his life and frequently said how marrying Ann was the best decision he ever made.

Tom earned a B.A. with Honors at Wichita University in 1955, then graduated with a Doctor of

Medicine degree from The University of Kansas School of Medicine in 1958. An internship at Saint Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City was followed by an otolaryngology residency at the University of Kansas School of Medicine which he completed in 1962. Dr. Raymond then served as an otolaryngologist for two years as a Captain in the United States Army at Fort Sill in Lawton, Oklahoma. He also earned his private pilot license during this time.

In 1964, Dr. Raymond joined Dr. Charles Lane in private practice in Fort Smith with Drs. Moulton, Lane, and McEwen, later known as Western Arkansas Ear, Nose, and Throat Clinic. He earned Board Certification in Otolaryngology in 1964, became a member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology and Ophthalmology in 1965, and a member of the American College of Surgeons in 1969. He was also a member of the American Medical Association, American Cancer Society, the Arkansas Medical Society; the Arkansas State Ear, Nose, and Throat Society (past president), and the Sebastian County Medical Society.

Soon after his arrival in Fort Smith, Dr. Raymond reorganized the Lost Chord Club, an organization to teach people to speak following surgical removal of the larynx. He enjoyed attending the Sunday afternoon meetings and in 1966, he was presented an award for his work by the Arkansas Division of the American Cancer Society.

His belief in the saving grace of Jesus made him a loyal and committed member of South Side Baptist Church, beginning in 1964. There he served in many positions including long time Sunday school teacher, deacon, choir member, and interim choir director.

Dr. Raymond was accomplished in his many avocations. He sang, played piano, and taught

himself classical guitar. He was a founding member of The Fort Smith Choral in 1978 where he

sang for more than twenty-five years. He earned his Extra Class Amateur Radio License when

it was first offered, with call letters W5JM. He earned a Commercial Pilot License with Instrument and Multi-Engine Ratings. He shared ownership of a Twin Bonanza and a Cessna 182, in which he took several trips including family vacations. He truly loved to fly, and when he was not flying, he dreamed of flying. For fun, he built computers and televisions. He tinkered with antique automobiles and owned a 1930 Model A Ford roadster and 1929 Model A Ford truck. He helped start the first computer store in Fort Smith. He loved water activities including fishing, boating, slalom water skiing, and scuba diving. He loved spending time at Lake Tenkiller with his family, and he delighted in teaching countless dozens of friends and guests how to water ski.

Dr. Raymond is survived by his wife, Anna, to whom he was married for sixty-eight years. He is also survived by daughter Linda Raymond Trescher and her husband William Herbert Trescher of Hummelstown, Pennsylvania; daughter Laura Raymond Swann and her husband Thomas Dossett Swann of Waco, Texas; son Peter Thomas Raymond of Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania; two granddaughters, Sarah Abby Trescher of Williamsburg, Virginia and Claire Ellen Trescher of Washington, DC; two granddaughters by marriage, Elizabeth Trippet Swann of Seattle, Washington and Alice Swann Troberman of Dripping Springs, Texas; and three great-grandchildren by marriage.

The family would like to offer a special thanks to all of those involved in Dr. Raymond’s care in

his final months.

Dr. Raymond’s funeral service was a private family event. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be

sent to South Side Baptist Church, 2400 Dodson Avenue, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901.