Edward “Ray” Thum

Edward “Ray” Thum, 63, of Smithfield, passed away on December 13, 2025 at his residence. He was born on January 31, 1962 in Canton to Charles Henry “Hank” and Lois Fidler (Hess) Thum. He married Gretchen Schaller on August 8, 2008 in Smithfield. She survives along with five children; Kalyn Thum and Caleb Thum both of Smithfield, Barbara Gandy of Denver, CO, Brandon Thum of Glasford and Trisha Thum of Morton, three brothers; Chuck Thum of Greenfield, TN, Joe (Holly) Thum of Smithfield and Aaron (Veanna) Thum of Canton, one sister Penny (Dave) Grady of Lee Summit, MO, five grandchildren; Emma Thum, Brooke Thum, David Humphrey, Felix Humphrey and Charlie Humphrey and lots of nieces and nephews.

Preceding Ray in death were his parents, Hank Thum, Lois Hess and Al Hess.

Ray worked as a millwright for Caterpillar for 31 years. He was a member of local Union 974 and the First Baptist Church in Canton where he served as an ordained deacon. He was also on the Board of Ministries and served with the Youth Ministries. Ray loved God, family, hunting and fishing. He was a woodcarver mainly carving water fowl. He played football in high school and had a scholarship to play football at Eureka College. He was proud to be a Navy veteran serving from 1981-1985.

Visitation will be from 5-7 pm on Thursday, December 18 at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton. There will be a gathering with pie being served at First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall in Canton at 1 pm with a service following at 1:30 pm. Burial will follow at Baughman Cemetery in Smithfield. Memorials can be made to the church. To view Ray’s DVD or to make online condolences, please visit oakshinesfuneralhome.com.