Raymond F. Werner, age 83 of Batesville, died Monday, November 7, 2022 at his home. Born January 18, 1939 in Franklin County Indiana, he is the son of Clara (Nee: Hartman) and Carl Werner. He married Mary Lou Sarringhaus October 7, 1961 at Holy Family Church and celebrated their 61st anniversary last month. Ray was a farmer and owner of Ray Werner Construction, building custom homes. He served in the Army reserves and was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #1461 and the Batesville Kiwanis.
Ray grew up working on his family’s farm which grew into a life-long passion. He would purchase the Sarringhaus family farm and ran his construction business as well. Before the days of ATV’s, he walked his fences everyday making sure no livestock would have an easy out. Even as recent health issue’s developed, Ray stayed active on the farm until his crops were in and knew that the farm was in good hands.
A sports enthusiast, Ray played football and was on the track team in school and played with his brothers on a very successful Oldenburg baseball team. He rarely missed his kids and grandkids games whether they were at home or away. He would relax by watching a Reds or Bengals game.
A devout man, family was a priority for Ray. He possessed a wonderful sense of humor and quick wit. He loved to make people smile and laugh, even in his last days. His family admired that he was generous with his time and talents. Always available to help with a problem, he was also able to share his love of sports and farming with his grandchildren and great grandchildren who loved Papaw Ray’s tractors and cows. Some of them have inherited his sense of humor! Ray was also generous with his time helping others. After a snow you’d find him clearing neighbor’s drives and he was very active in the Kiwanis and at the Knights of Columbus.
Ray is survived by his wife Mary Lou; daughters Cathy Bauer of Indianapolis, Claire Werner of Batesville; son Craig Werner of Batesville; sister Sr. Mary Louise Werner OSF of Oldenburg; brothers Charlie Werner of Melbourne Beach, Florida, Don Werner of Monte Sereno, California; grandchildren Kyle Bauer, Hannah (Allen) Lecher, Holly Bauer, Cory (Jordan) Werner, Morgan (AJ) Hooten and Casey Werner as well as great grandchildren Benjamin, Jaxon, Jason, Collins and Jett. In addition to his parents, he is also preceded by brothers Ed, Bob and Floyd Werner.
Visitation is Friday, November 11th, from 4 – 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral services are 10 a.m. Saturday, November 12th at St. Louis Church with burial in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the Batesville Kiwanis or the Batesville Athletic Boosters.