Raymond Cecil Archer

Raymond Cecil Archer, 84, of Kokomo passed away July 10 in his home surrounded by his family. He was born May 8, 1935 to Homer and Mittie (Chalk) Archer in Denard, Arkansas. On December 21, 1956 Ray married his love, Ozina (Wylie) Archer and together they raised two children. Ray worked for many years at Continental Steel Mill as a crane operator and retired from there. He was a member of the United Steel Workers union and also the Moose and Eagles. He and Ozina were long time members of Center Road Church of Christ. Ray was an avid bowler and loved to fish. He was handy around the house, having built additions to their home with Ozina’s help. He also farmed and worked as maintenance with his brother-in-law on the farm and with Bob Wylie Realty. The whole family enjoyed traveling to Arkansas to visit family and friends. Above all, Ray was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather (and dog dad). He will be greatly missed. Ray is survived by his children, James Archer and Cathy (Bill) Phifer; sisters, Faye Griggs, Bea Eskridge, and Shirley (Charles) Barnett; sister-in-law, Mary Archer; grandchildren, Jordan (Jessica) Phifer, Cory (Ariel Endresen) Phifer, and Tommy Phifer; great grandchildren; Lexie and Graysen Phifer; special friends, Dr. Lance Washington and Pastor Lynn Brust; several nieces and nephews and his fur buddies, Tory and Ringo. In addition to his parents and wife, Ozina, Ray was preceded in death by brother, Willy Archer; and brothers-in-law, Tommy Dan Griggs and Roy Lee Eskridge. Family will receive friends Monday, July 15 from noon – 2pm at Center Road Church of Christ, 899 300 South, Kokomo, IN 46902 with service to follow at 2pm, officiated by Pastor Lynn Brust. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Kokomo Humane Society, 729 E. Hoffer Street, Kokomo, IN 46902.