Miles Joseph (Schissler) Raymond Sr., 67, of Lenexa, Kansas died on January 20, 2024, at the Veterans Administration Medical Center.   He was born on September 2, 1956, the 6^th son of Robert and Lois Schissler.

           Miles served in the Air Force from 1974 to 1978. He was stationed at Gunter Air Force Base as a computer programmer. He attended Auburn University and graduated with a degree in Biology in 1979. His first master’s degree was an MBA from St. Thomas College in 1982. His second master’s degree was an MDIV from Central Baptist Theological Seminary in 2007.

            Miles worked for Comten in Minneapolis, MN before moving to Missouri to take a job at United Telecom.  He worked 21 years through mergers that ended with Sprint. He became semi-retired in 2003.  He continued working part time jobs, his favorite was being a school bus driver. He officially retired from being a tax representative for H&R Block in 2022.

            Miles loved nature! He walked approximately 1400 miles of the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to New York City. He was also a passionate gardener, having a garden in every location he lived at – including the military base.  Miles was a beekeeper for 37 years selling honey at farmers markets and out of his home. He enjoyed watching birds and avidly followed the weather, often making his own predictions.  

            Miles was active in his community throughout his life in the Minneapolis and Olathe Jaycees, as a youth Leader in 4-H, in the K-State Extension Program as an Extension Master Gardener for 32 years and an Extension Master Naturalist. He enjoyed educating others as a member of the Northeast Kansas Beekeepers Association. He was also a life member in the Gardeners of America, starting the Olathe club and spearheading many gardening projects.  

            Miles is preceded in death by his parents, Robert, and Lois Schissler, and 4 brothers, Michael, Martin, Matthew and Mark Schissler.   

            He leaves behind 3 brothers Myron (Terri), Mitch (Bev), and Merrill Schissler, 1 sister, Marcy (Bob) Wegner, many nieces and nephews, his wife Joni Raymond, 3 children; Apryl (Scott) Whitacre, Miles (Olivia) Raymond Jr., Anthony (Obi) Raymond, 3 step children, Robin (Norm) Philipp, Tami Hutton, Holly (Anthony) Lang, 16 grandchildren; Henry Philipp, Andrew Philipp, H. Philipp, Noah (Summer) Campbell, Austin (Adrianna) Whitacre, Logan Whitacre, Cheyenne McGlothlin, Harley McGlothlin, Leia Cheney, Natalyee Whitacre, Wesley Whitacre, Owen Whitacre, Skyler Whitacre, Miles Raymond III, Sebastian Raymond, Elise Lang, 5 great-grandchildren; Matthew Silvester, Alli Marler, Ezra Campbell, Alduin Maher, and Azazel Whitacre. Miles' fun-loving personality, hearty laughter, great wisdom, sage advice and crazy songs will be missed by friends and family alike.

            In lieu of flowers, tree planting contributions can be made to the National Arbor Day at https://shop.arborday.org/commemorative or a charity of your choice.