PASTOR RAYMOND PAUL MELUGIN , 86 , of Wichita, Kansas, met his Lord and Saviour on June 19, 2024 at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita with his devoted family by his side. Born on May 13, 1938, in Ponca City, Oklahoma, to Robert Dow and Vivian Maxine (Lovell) Melugin, Ray led a life dedicated to faith, family, and service.

Ray's early years were spent on the family farm, where he began riding the tractor at the tender age of four and graduated to driving at five. A remarkable milestone in his life occurred on January 1, 1948, when nine-year-old Ray drove the tractor loaded with family belongings from Ponca City to Dexter, Kansas, in the dark, showcasing his early sense of responsibility and determination. During his father's struggle with rheumatoid arthritis, Ray managed the farm alongside his brother Charles and their mother. At 12, he took on the responsibility of running the farm solo while his parents were on vacation.

By 14, Ray started working outside the farm, and at 17, he bought his first car, a '49 Green Oldsmobile. His life took a significant turn in October 1956 when he was saved and called to preach in Fredonia. Ray left the farm in 1957 to pursue his calling, attending Wichita Tec and then Baptist Bible College, where he graduated in 1960 alongside his first wife, Phyllis.

Pastor Ray's ministerial journey included a 30-year tenure at Wichita Baptist Tabernacle, where he served as Senior Pastor for 25 years. He founded the Baptist Tabernacle School in 1973. He also served in various capacities with the Baptist Bible Fellowship, including Trustee, Missionary Representative to Germany and Australia, and President of the Moral Majority. At 55, he became Pastor at Grove for 10 years and later served congregations in Harper, KS, and Southgate in Peck, KS. His ministry came full circle when he returned to Friendship Baptist Church, formerly the Wichita Baptist Tabernacle, and served until his retirement at 82, although he never truly ceased pastoring. Pastor Ray's love for the Lord was matched only by his love for his family. He cherished fishing, working on cars and anything with a motor, Hallmark movies, and murder mysteries. His greatest joy, however, was spending time with his family on vacations and at the lake.

Ray is survived by his beloved wife, Tame'e; his children Joy Robertson, Jewel Madding, Philip Melugin, Judy Poore, and Gregg Melugin; his grandchildren Nick, JoyBeth, Alex, Micah, Sidney, Jordan, Heath, Megan, Miriam, Logan, Josi, and Jaylee; and his great-grandchildren Eleanor, Makenna, Kaia, Cannon, Jameson, William, Arya, Julian, Finley, Ellie, Cole, Daxton, Callan, Palmer, Charlotte, Thatcher, Addie Q.,  and one more on the way. He is also survived by his brother Charles; sisters Marie and Lorene and many other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Vivian, and his brother Leon and his wife of 54 years Phyllis.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. at Faith Baptist Church, 417 W. Central Ave., Andover, followed by the funeral service at 10:00 a.m. Pastor Ray will be laid to rest at Lakeview Cemetery in Wichita.

Memorial donations in Pastor Ray's honor may be made to Anchor Baptist Church, 14704 E. Harry St., Wichita, in remembrance of his deep faith and commitment to the church.

Pastor Ray Melugin's legacy of love, faith, and service will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He was a loving, God-fearing, and sentimental soul who devoted his life to leading others to the Lord and living out the teachings of the Word of God. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.