Armand F. Racette, 98 years of age, of Concordia, passed away Thursday, August 20, 2020, at Mount Joseph Senior Village in Concordia, Kansas. He was born on March 6, 1922, in Aurora, Kansas, to Snine and Adelia (Deneault) Racette, the only son of four children.
After graduating from Concordia High School in 1941, he joined the Army to serve his country. Armand served in WWII as a machine gunner with the 86th Infantry Division, stationed in Europe and the South Pacific. While serving his country, he earned the Bronze Star, two Purple Hearts and the Combat Infantryman Badge, along with several other medals.
Armand and Ruth (Mosher) White were married on Oct. 9, 1954. She preceded him on Sept. 1, 2010. Armand was also blessed with three stepchildren from this marriage, Beverley, Tom and Delores. He began in business by opening his own business until joining Hedges Neon Signs of Salina, where he worked as an advertising design engineer. Armand was very active in the community, serving in and holding many high positions in the Masonic Lodge and Boy Scouts. He also served as a City Commissioner and served the City of Concordia.
Armand is survived by five step-grandchildren, several step-great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and friend, Gerald Chavey and his family.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth; parents; sisters, Lela M. Russ, Angeline Richard & Blanche Christian; stepdaughters, Delores Bombardier & Beverley Scholl; stepsons, Raymond & Thomas White.
Cremation has taken place and a Memorial Graveside Service will be held 1:30 p.m. Friday, August 28, 2020, in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Concordia, with military honors by Fort Riley, American Legion Post #76 & VFW Post #588. Friends may sign the register book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, August 27, 2020, at Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home, Concordia.
Memorial contributions may be given to the Cloud County Food Bank in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be left online at www.chaputbuoy.com.
