Obituary for Cooper D. Ray
Dr. Cooper Duane Ray passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, January 31, 2003. He was born on May 23, 1920 to John Wesley and Carrie Mae Ray east of Martha, OK. He graduated as Valedictorian of Martha High School in May, 1936, shortly before his 16th birthday. Cooper left the family farm soon after graduation to go to Wichita Falls, Texas to work as an office salesman and attend business school. He volunteered for the U.S. Army Air Core and received his commission and his wings in 1942. During his training period, he married Roxanne Penick on July 11, 1942. To this union were born three children, John Wesley, Gene Scott and Rebecca Ann. Cooper was a pilot and aircraft commander of both the B-24 and B-29 bomers during World War II. He resigned his commission in 1946 at the rank of Captain to return to Martha and the family farm. After working on the farm for two and a half years, Cooper decided to pursue his life-long dream of becoming a family physician. He attended Altus Junior College, the University of Oklahoma and was accepted to Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis where he graduated in 1954. After completing internship and residency, he decided to return to Altus where he set up family practice in 1955. Dr. Ray retired in 1989 after 34 years of committed service to his community. During this time, he was a member of the Jackson County Medical Society and a member of the medical staff at Jackson County Memorial Hospital, serving as Chief of Staff. He served on the boards of the Oklahoma State Medical Society, the American Medical Association, the American Board of Family practice, and the American Academy of Family Physicians. He also served on the admissions board of the University of Oklahoma's School of Medicine. He was an active member of the Rotary Club, the Gideons International and the First Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon. Also, he was inducted into the Western Oklahoma State College Alumni Hall of Fame in 2000. His first wife, Roxanne, died in 1986. He married Bonita Wright on November 12, 1993. From this marriage Cooper welcomed the addition of four stepchildren, Christy, Mark, Bill and Clint and seven step-grandchildren. For the last nine years they have experienced a wonderful journey together traveling, volunteering their services to the community and enjoying life.
Others who preceded him in death include his parents and his two brothers, John Arthur and Troy Gene. Survivors include his wife, Bonita, of he home, son, John and his wife, Patti of Altus, son Scott of Salt Lake City, Utah and daughter, Becky Cheaney and her husband Rick, of Martha. Grandchildren include Crystalline and Jordan Ray of Edmond, OK and Carrie and Chris Cheaney of Martha. Nieces and nephews include John C, Ray of Eugene, OR, Kevin Ray and Keith Ray of Glendale, AZ Jack Carroll Fancher of Denton, TX, Lonnie Fancher of Tucson, AZ, Suzanne Berendt of Killeen, TX, and Mary Jean Moorman of Sanger, TX.
Dr.Ray will long be remembered and loved for his sharp wit, the twinkle in his eye and his many years of devoted service to his family, his church and the community.
Services for Dr. Cooper Ray will be held at First Baptist Church, Altus, on Tuesday, February 4 at 2:00PM. Memorials may be made to the ministry of choice at First Baptist Church, Altus or to Gideons, International
Interment will follow at the Martha Cemetery under the direction of Lowell-Tims Funeral Home.
02/04/2003
2:00 PM
Funeral
First Baptist Church
Altus
OK
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Others who preceded him in death include his parents and his two brothers, John Arthur and Troy Gene. Survivors include his wife, Bonita, of he home, son, John and his wife, Patti of Altus, son Scott of Salt Lake City, Utah and daughter, Becky Cheaney and her husband Rick, of Martha. Grandchildren include Crystalline and Jordan Ray of Edmond, OK and Carrie and Chris Cheaney of Martha. Nieces and nephews include John C, Ray of Eugene, OR, Kevin Ray and Keith Ray of Glendale, AZ Jack Carroll Fancher of Denton, TX, Lonnie Fancher of Tucson, AZ, Suzanne Berendt of Killeen, TX, and Mary Jean Moorman of Sanger, TX.
Dr.Ray will long be remembered and loved for his sharp wit, the twinkle in his eye and his many years of devoted service to his family, his church and the community.
Services for Dr. Cooper Ray will be held at First Baptist Church, Altus, on Tuesday, February 4 at 2:00PM. Memorials may be made to the ministry of choice at First Baptist Church, Altus or to Gideons, International
Interment will follow at the Martha Cemetery under the direction of Lowell-Tims Funeral Home.
02/04/2003
2:00 PM
Funeral
First Baptist Church
Altus
OK
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