Ray Queen

Curtis Ray Queen 77, years young of Broken Bow, Ok. passed from this life on Wednesday, September 4, 2019. Ray was born on November 13, 1941 in a small community called Nana Chito, in the north part of McCurtain County, Ok. The family moved to Broken Bow, Ok, when he was 7 or 8 years old, where he lived the remaining years of his life.

On February 23, 1960 Ray and Rita Ellison were united in marriage that lasted a lifetime. To this union 3-sons were born.

In 1971 he became a contractor for Dierks Lumber Co. and later for Weyerhaeuser Co. When he first started there were very few logging roads in this county, most of what are being driven on today were made or improved by Ray and his crew.

For anyone that knew Ray they knew he loved his hunting, fishing, and camping, which became the annual vacation that the whole family enjoyed. Ray and Rita took a few very memorable vacations usually connected to hunting in some form but not all, some were exploring the beautiful country. One of his favorite trips was when he and Rita went to a lodge in New Mexico where he bagged a 6x6 elk.

Ray was always trying to problem solve. He figured out a way to attach a hoe to the back of a road grader so the operator could clean out tin horns without having to change equipment. Weyerhaeuser took a picture to hang in the main office in Tocoma, Washington and it is still on display.

Ray was always willing to help anyone in need. Sometimes with equipment or monetary, always anonymously.

He loved going to church and singing the old-time gospel songs. It always lifted his spirits.

Ray could tell stories about all the people that he worked with over the years. He could remember details of who was present and what was happening, usually humorous, some serious. His guys will remember his “special safety meetings” before work.

Rita adds that Ray is the love of her life, and that she will love him forever.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents Albert Buck Queen and Francis Mary Waldon Queen; sisters, Estelle Brown, Jeanette Nichelson; brother, Dain George; brothers-in-law, Billy Brown, Johnnie Nichelson; sister-in-law, Margie Queen; father-in-law and mother-in-law Hunter and Pauline Ellison.

Ray leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Rita Carol Ellison Queen; children, Randell Keith Queen, Bradley Raymond Queen and wife Karla, Terry Dale Queen and wife Carolyn; brother, Wayne Queen; sister, Fay Gray; grandchildren, Kacharel Queen Gibbs and husband, Travis, Kachton Queen Speligene and husband Allen, Kachleigh Queen Cochran and husband, Gage, Stephanie Queen Sweet and husband Daniel, Chad Ryan Queen and wife Chelsa, Sarah Elizabeth Queen, Shawn Joshua Queen and wife, Sarrysa, Shayla Rae Queen; great-grandchildren, Roane Gibbs, Curtis Reed Gibbs, Asher Speligene, Everly Speligene, Juliet Speligene, Iris Cochran, Andrew Queen, Taryn Ray Mullis.

A visitation for family and friends will held on Saturday, September 7, 2019 from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. at Bunch-Singleton Funeral Home Chapel in Broken Bow, Ok.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Bunch-Singleton Funeral Home Chapel Sunday, September 8, 2019 at 2:00 P.M. with Bro. Mike Harcrow officiating.

Interment will follow at Ray Queen Family Cemetery.

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