RALEIGH GREER, 89, of Topeka, Kansas, formerly of Winfield, passed away Thursday, March 27, 2008, at the Colmery-O'Neil Veterans Medical Center in Topeka.

Born on July 10, 1918, in Hugo, Oklahoma, he was the son of Jesse and Ida (Gardner) Greer. He was raised and educated in Oklahoma schools and attended high school at Favor High School in Guthrie, Oklahoma.

On April 14, 1941, Raleigh was united in marriage to Eulalia Wallace in Newkirk, Oklahoma. The couple made their home in Winfield. Raleigh was a resident of Winfield until his health began to fail and he moved to the Veteran's Home in Topeka. Mrs. Greer preceded him in death on March 9, 2002.

He joined the United States Army on February 20, 1943 in Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas. He served in WWII as a Seargent. He was honorably discharged on November 24, 1944.

Raleigh made his trade as a baker and a cook. He worked at several places in the bakeries. He also held several part time jobs as a custodian. He worked for the Santa Fe Railroad, Mistle Toe Express, The City of Winfield, and earlier at the Winfield State Hospital and Training Center in the bakery. He retired from the State Hospital after over 10 years of service as a foster grandparent.

He was a member of the Second Baptist Church in Winfield, as well as the American Legion and the VFW. He enjoyed baseball, singing, taking Sunday drives, and spending time with his family. He had many friends, and loved to joke and tease with everyone.

His family includes:
His sons: Wallace Gary Greer of Winfield; Richard Greer of St. Louis, IL; Ron Greer of Winfield;
His daughters: Joan Baptista and Kimberly Greer-Duru, both of Winfield;
His six grandsons and one granddaughter;
His one great-granddaughter; and
many nieces, nephews and relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents and wife, Raleigh was preceded in death by a brother, Garland Greer and a sister, Pauline Greer-Nichols.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 31, 2008, at 1:00 P.M. at Miles Funeral Service. Military Committal honors will follow at Highland Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Sunday from 1 to 5. The family will receive friends from 4 to 5 that afternoon. Online condolences may be made at www.milesfuneralservice.com.

Memorials have been established in Mr. Greer's name for the Kansas Veteran's Home in Topeka and for the National Alzheimer's Association. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.