April 1, 2005 The ADVOCATE’s Free Press & Community News Serving Anderson, Southern Franklin and Western Linn Counties Volume 9, No. 26 Transcribed with permission of Vern Brown Page 5, Column 3: “Rev. Ray Firestone Graveside services for Rev. Ray Firestone, 80, Kansas City, MO, formerly of Garnett, a retired United Methodist minister and former director of libraries, were Wednesday, March 30, 2005, at 1:30 p.m. at Baldwin City Cemetery, Baldwin City, KS. The family received visitors that evening beginning at 5:30 p.m. at The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, followed by a Life Celebration service at 7:00 p.m. Rev. Firestone died March 25 at his home. Rev. Ray Firestone was born in Dunnegan, MO, but spent most of his early life in Wichita. He graduated from Wichita High School East, and Friends University. He received a master’s degree in divinity from Yale University Divinity School and another master’s degree in librarianship from Emporia State Teachers College. Rev. Firestone served churches in Kansas at Garnett, Rosalia, Ellinwood, Crestview in Topeka, Parsons, Reading, Miller, Vinland, Iola, Ottawa, and Olathe, where he was associate pastor from 1980 to 1984. He retired in Kansas City in 1989. In addition, he was Director of Libraries and curator of the Quayle Rare Bible Collection at Baker University 1970-1980. He had been active in the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Overland Park. He completed almost three years of services as a conscientious objector in World War II. Rev. Firestone was married to Rose Mary Riesenmey, who lost her life in an accident in 1972. Survivors include his daughters, Ruth Ann Firestone of Dallas, TX, and Sara L. Firestone of Mt. Pleasant, SC; and his son, David Shelton Firestone of Olathe. The family suggests memorials to Yale University School of Divinity, New Haven, CT, or any of the churches he served. McGilley State Line Chapel, Kansas City, MO, was in charge of services.” Transcribed for Anderson County Kansas USGENWEB By: Lulu B. Nixon