Donald Osborn Ray

Donald Osborn Ray, age 97, of Sun City, Ariz., passed away on Sunday, March 13, 2022.

Donald was born June 27, 1924, in Thermopolis, Wyo. Don attended school in Thermopolis leading up to his enlistment in the Army Air Corps in December of 1942. Don served as a flight engineer training flight crews on the operation of B24 Liberator Bombers. After his active duty service was concluded in 1946, Don went on to serve in the National Guard until his discharge in 1956. Don married his wife (Evelyn) in 1946 and she would remain by his side for the next 73 years until her passing in 2019. Don's career began with Empire Oil Company in Thermopolis.

During his time, Don continued to serve and volunteer in many different capacities, notably as State Commander of the Wyoming Chapter of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) and as Assistant Fire Chief of Thermopolis Volunteer Fire Department. He was a member of the local Elks Lodge and VFW. Don and Evelyn would move on to his employment with Wyoming State Highway Department in Cody, Wyo. Don worked as equipment maintenance supervisor until his retirement in 1987. He started another new career with Dick Jones Trucking, driving truck for the next 10 years before retiring again and moving to Peoria, Ariz. Don started yet another new career with Swift Trucking as a driver/trainer before retiring for the final time and moving to Sun City, Ariz.

Throughout his life, Don and Evelyn enjoyed fishing and hunting during their years in Wyoming, traveling together when Don was on the road trucking and enjoyed golfing and following Arizona sports teams.

Donald is survived by his nephew, Michael (Cathy) Ray of Billings, Mont.; and numerous great and great, great-nephews and nieces.

Interment will occur in the near future at Riverside Cemetery in Thermopolis, Wyo. Per Don's request, no formal services are planned.