Raymond R. Elsaesser

Raymond R. Elsaesser, 84, passed away peacefully Friday evening, November 15, 2019 at his home in Meherrin, VA. He was born in Meherrin on April 30, 1935 to Ruben Herbert and Grace Virginia Elsaesser. He retired in 1995 from MATES at Fort Pickett in Blackstone, VA after serving in the Army and National Guard for 29 years. The hardest worker at even the smallest things, he could plow a field for tobacco or vegetables, nurse newborn squirrels, pigs, rabbits, or an abandoned fawn and still have enough energy to lend a helping hand to a neighbor or friend in need. A man of simple pleasures, he enjoyed a good laugh almost as much as giving one. A card shark with a soft heart for all animals, particularly dogs, he loved Bluegrass music and dancing, especially flatfootin’. Raymond is survived by his wife of 59 years, Joyce; his children Karen Newman (Micky Newman), Phyllis Kelehar (Brian Kelehar), Keith Elsaesser, and Kathy Rhodes (Dusty Rhodes) and daughter-in-law Lisa Elsaesser; his sister Lois Bailey; his grandchildren Bobby Newman (Amanda), Allison Dunn (Anthony), Dustin Elsaesser, Amanda Elsaesser, Brittany Smith, Josh Smith, Sam Rhodes, and Max Rhodes. “The family is especially thankful to his devoted caregivers Angela Zellers, Juleen West, Connie Horton, and Joyce Reid. “

The family will be receiving friends any time after 2 PM on Sunday, November 17, 2019 at his home in Meherrin. Funeral services will be held at 2 PM on Monday, November 18, 2019 at Browning-Duffer Funeral Home in Keysville with Pastor Kyla Sylver, officiating. Interment with Military Honors will follow at Meherrin United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Meherrin Volunteer Fire Department and SPCA. The Browning-Duffer Funeral Home in Keysville, VA, is serving the family.