Raymond Travis Fleming

Raymond Travis Fleming passed away on February 1st, 2026, in Marietta, Ohio, at the age of 77. Born on May 15, 1948, in Zanesville, Ohio, Ray grew into a man deeply admired for his kindness, patriotism, and love for his family and country.
Ray graduated from Roseville High School in 1966 and dedicated much of his life to service in various forms. He proudly served his country with honor and dedication, embodying a lifetime commitment to the United States Armed Forces. He voluntarily enlisted in the United States Army on January 22, 1968, serving for three years, including a tour in Vietnam, and was honorably discharged. During his service, he was assigned to Bravo Company, 782nd Maintenance Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division, where he worked as an aircraft structural repairman and attained the rank of Specialist Five (SP5).
Following his active-duty service, he continued his military commitment by enlisting in the Ohio Air National Guard, serving as a Reserve of the United States Air Force for one year beginning on August 28, 1978, and was assigned to the 121st Combat Airlift Squadron at Rickenbacker Air Force Base. His service was recognized with several honors, including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 1960 Device, Vietnam Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and the Parachutist Badge.
Following his military service, Ray continued to impact lives locally as a welder, EMT, and eventually as a paramedic, serving with multiple ambulance bases for over 40 years. His passion for helping others took him as far as Afghanistan, where he worked as a contracted civilian paramedic until his retirement in 2015.
Beyond his professional life, Ray was raised following Lutheran traditions and found solace in its teachings. He was also a gifted woodworker, a hobby he enjoyed sharing with his grandchildren, teaching them to build as skillfully as he did. His garage was his sanctuary, a place for tinkering and creating lasting memories with his family.
Ray's family was the cornerstone of his life. He is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Deborah (Boughner) Fleming; his son, Travis (Mechelle) Fleming; his daughter, Jennifer (Steven) Boker; and his cherished grandchildren, Taylor (Kyle) Hockenberry, Madison (Joshua) Fleming, James (Abby) Smith, Garrett (Kayley) Lochary, Keiren (Artie) Fleming, and bonus grandchildren Colin (Samantha) Boker, Kyle (Chelsea) Boker, Lindsay (Justin) Barth, and Devin (Shayla) Waterman. He was also a proud great-grandfather to Reagan and Jackson Hockenberry, Nevaeh and Braydon Lochary, Tru Alexander, Olivia Boker, and Blake Waterman, with two more great-grandchildren on the way. He leaves behind his brother, Keith Fleming, and sister, Teresa (Ron) Scott, along with multiple nieces and nephews. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Fern (Taylor) Fleming, his brothers Thomas, James (Jim), William (Bill), and Eric Fleming, and his sister Vondora Cosgrove.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Charlie Wallace, a dear friend who is always there when needed; to Carly Manogg-Gazzale and the Gazzale family for their unwavering support during this time; and to the Marietta Memorial Hospital 2 West staff, Amedisys Hospice care team, and the Lower-Salem Volunteer Squad for their compassion, care, and dedication.
Private visitation for family and close friends will be held from 3:00–4:00 PM on Sunday, February 8th, 2026, at McClure-Schafer-Lankford Funeral Home in Marietta, Ohio. A private memorial service for family will follow at 4:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a veterans' organization of the donor's choice, honoring Ray's deep respect for service and sacrifice. The family and community will remember Ray as a hero, a mentor, and a true patriot, whose legacy will continue to inspire all who knew him.