Raymond Despain

Raymond Earl DeSpain was born April 20, 1932 in Laredo, Texas to Oran L. DeSpain and Lorene Brieden DeSpain. His ancestors were French, German, and American Indian. He entered his eternal home in Heaven October 16, 2013 at age 81. Raymond was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Baby Boy DeSpain. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Dorothy Tisdale DeSpain, two daughters, Cynthia and husband Doug McGrew of Alexandria, Virginia, Melissa and husband James Smith of Hallettsville, Texas, and one son, Dr. Ray and wife Peggy DeSpain of Elkhart, Texas, two granddaughters, Brittany and husband Charlie Roten of Gunter, Texas, Breanna DeSpain of College Station, Texas, one grandson, Brian Ray DeSpain of Albuquerque, New Mexico. His is also survived by one brother, Oran and wife Sarah DeSpain of Charlotte, Texas, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Raymond loved God's creation and enjoyed nature. He was knowledgeable about both domestic and wild plants and animals. During his senior year in high school he was editor of the school year book, class president, captain of the football team, catcher on the baseball team, and was voted by the faculty as best all-around student. He graduated from Mirando City High School in 1949. He worked on oil well drilling rigs before joining the United States Army in 1953. He served as gun commander with the Anti-Aircraft Group in Anchorage, Alaska. He received the National Defense Service Medal, gained the rank of Sergeant and was honorably discharged in June, 1955. Raymond married Dorothy Tisdale November 19, 1955 at First Baptist Church in Pleasanton. He was a loving and devoted father, a member of First Baptist Church in Beeville and a member of The Masonic Lodge. He was a Little League Baseball coach and president of the Little League Association in Pleasanton. Raymond worked in the oil industry for more than 50 years and then enjoyed retirement years with his family. Funeral service will be Monday, October 21, at 10:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church with Rev. Greg Traylor officiating. Interment will follow in Glenwood Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Dr. Ray DeSpain, Brian Ray DeSpain, Doug McGrew, James Smith, Charlie Roten, and Daniel Ball. Memorial contributions may be given to First Baptist Church Building Fund, First Baptist Church School, 600 N. St. Mary's, Beeville, Texas 78102 or South Texas Children's Home, P.O. Box 1210, Beeville, Texas 78104.