Raymond Cassel

Raymond Cassel, 61, left Wellington on Sunday, November 14, 2016 to make music with the angels. Awaiting his arrival was his dad, Paul Cassel, step father, Dr. William King, grandfather, Harrison Julian; brothers: Dwight and Jim Rice; sister-in-law, Paula Rice.

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m., December 3, 2016 at Wellington Baptist Temple Church. Pastor John Clayton will officiate. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established with the Wellington Baptist Temple 222 North Plum, Wellington, KS 67152 and may be sent to the church. Shelley Family Funeral Home of Wellington is in charge of arrangements. For further information please visit www.shelleyfamilyfh.com.

Raymond Anthony Cassel was born May 29, 1955, the son of Paul and Blanche (Julian) Cassel in Emporia, KS. He lived in Texas for a short time, and then moved to California where he started acting at the Children’s Playhouse. He graduated from Americus High School then joined the US Navy. After basic and medical training he was based in Corpus Christi.

When he mustered out the next year was spent traveling. He was an EMT at Garnett, KS. Raymond attended 2 culinary schools and worked as a chef or manager in several restaurants. While in Oregon he attended four years of College art at Eugene, Oregon.

While working making instruments repairs and building instruments. At approximately 12 years of age Dr. King taught him to play guitar. Within weeks Raymond had his own students. On his return to Kansas he graduated from Wichita L.P.N. School. He was interested in all things Indian. Learning to brain tan leather to make Indian artifacts with beading, clothing and moccasins.

He was meticulous with his art work and jewelry making.  He never complained through 2 strokes, diabetes and heart disease and was always kind, caring and funny. He had a story for everything. His church kept him happy and productive the last six years.

Raymond is survived by his mother and step dad: Blanche and Gary Gasper; his brothers: Jerry & Mike Cassel, Joseph Rice and his wife Tammy; sisters: Linda and Debbie Cassel; and several aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews.