ULYSSES – Darwin “Ray” Van Zant, 88, died Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026 at Bob Wilson Memorial Hospital in Ulysses.
He was born June 2, 1937 to Clayton and Truba (Parker) Van Zant.
He served in the United States Navy, enlisting in 1955. He served on active duty until 1959 and continued his service in the Navy Reserves until 1961, receiving an honorable discharge.
After his military service, he returned to Oklahoma, where he began his career as a feed foreman. He worked for 43 years in various feed yards across multiple states and ultimately retired from Cactus Feeders.
He married Catherine Hardesty in 1961. To that union, three children were born: David, Tommy, and Kay.
In 1989, he married Hazel (Thompson) Meadows. Through that marriage, he gained bonus children: Stella Carranza, Penny (David) Thacker, the late Joey Meadows, and the late Billy Meadows. Hazel preceded him in death.
He married Norma (Essex) Hartman Sept. 25, 2010. Through this marriage, he gained additional bonus children: Dayna (David) Folger, Bobbi Jo (Bill) Hickok, and the late Jamin Hartman.
He was a member of Country View Baptist Church in Ulysses. Reading the Bible was a daily priority, and he emphasized the importance of loving God and loving others.
Survivors include his wife, Norma; his children: David (Jessica) Van Zant, Princeton, Tommy (Christy) Van Zant, Montezuma, and Kay (Randy) Lee, Fredericktown, Mo.; grandchildren: Ethan, Caitlin, TJ, Mandy, Felicia, Jenny, and Jamie; and many bonus children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family.
He was also preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Arnold “Lee” Van Zant.
• Funeral services took place Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026 at Country View Baptist Church in Ulysses with Pastor James Berry presiding.
Burial took place at the Moscow Cemetery in Moscow, with military rites conducted by Southwest Kansas Veterans Funeral Honor Guard.
Memorials are suggested to Country View Baptist Church or Restored By Grace (Bible distribution fund) in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 405 W. Grant Ave, Ulysses, KS 67880.
Condolences may be left at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.
