Ray Van Zant, age 88, died Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Bob Wilson Memorial Hospital in Ulysses. Darwin “Ray” Van Zant was born on June 2, 1937, in Roff, Oklahoma, the son of Clayton and Truba E. (Parker) Van Zant.

Ray grew up in Oklahoma and proudly served his country in the United States Navy, enlisting in 1955. He served on active duty until 1959 and continued his service in the Navy Reserves until 1961, receiving an honorable discharge. After his military service, Ray returned to Oklahoma, where he began a long and dedicated career as a feed foreman. He worked for 43 years in various feed yards across multiple states and ultimately retired from Cactus Feeders.

Ray married Catherine Hardesty in 1961. To that union, three children were born: David, Tommy, and Kay. In 1989, Ray married Hazel (Thompson) Meadows. Through that marriage, he gained bonus children and valued his relationships with Stella Carranza, Penny (David) Thacker, the late Joey Meadows, and the late Billy Meadows. Hazel preceded him in death. On September 25, 2010, Ray married Norma (Essex) Hartman in Syracuse, Kansas. Through this marriage, he gained additional bonus children: Dayna (David) Folger, Bobbi Jo (Bill) Hickok, and the late Jamin Hartman.

Ray was a faithful member of Country View Baptist Church in Ulysses, where he found
fellowship and established many meaningful friendships. Reading his Bible was a daily priority, and he emphasized the importance of loving God and loving others. Ray treasured his family and friends and loved spending time with them, whether in person or on the phone.

Ray is survived by his wife, Norma, of the home; his children, David (Jessica) Van Zant of Princeton, KS Tommy (Christy) Van Zant of Montezuma, KS and Kay (Randy) Lee of
Fredericktown, MO; grandchildren, Ethan, Caitlin, TJ, Mandy, Felicia, Jenny, and Jamie; and many beloved bonus children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Clayton and Truba Van Zant; his brother, Arnold “Lee” Van Zant; and his wife, Hazel.

Funeral service will be Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Country View Baptist Church in Ulysses with Pastor James Berry officiating and will also be livestreamed on Garnand Funeral Home Facebook page. Interment will follow at the Moscow Cemetery in Moscow with military rites conducted by Southwest Kansas Veterans Funeral Honor Guard. Visitation will be Monday, January 5, 2026, from 2:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Garnand Funeral Home in Ulysses. Memorial contributions may be given to Country View Baptist Church or Restored By Grace (Bible distribution fund) in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 405 W. Grant Ave, Ulysses, KS 67880. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.