Raymond Barchus

Raymond Barchus, age 97, of Backus, passed away on August 20, 2019, at Country Oaks Assisted Living in Mesa, AZ. Memorial service will be 11 AM on Saturday, September 21, 2019, at Lakeside Baptist Church, Backus, with Pastor Jeff Broom officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Backus, with military honors provided by American Legion Post 368. Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers.

Raymond was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Leona; his parents; sisters: Helen Reeve, Lorrayne Reeve, Anna Mae Richart; brothers: Lester, Calvin and Doug Barchus. He is survived by sons, Roger (Joan) Barchus of Gilbert, AZ, Ronald (Wanda) Barchus of Backus; 7 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; sisters, Lura (Lyle) Lauer of Backus and Ona Anderson of Minneapolis; and many nieces and nephews.

Raymond was born on December 2, 1921, in Chaseley, ND, to Mary (Evans) and Loren Barchus. At age17 he moved with his family to Backus, MN. In 1942 he enlisted in the Army serving in the 102nd-380th Artillery Division. After 4 years in the Army he returned home and married Leona Cozette Engelson on June 9, 1946. Raymond started out farming then started Barchus Construction, building many homes in the Backus area. His retirement years were spent traveling between Mesa, AZ and Backus.