Raymond Mecaskey

Raymond "Ray" Gose Mecaskey, 91, passed away Friday, March 17, 2017.

A celebration of his life will be held at 3:30 pm on Thursday, March 23, 2017 at the First United Methodist Church of Panhandle. The family will receive friends from 5-7 pm on Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at the funeral home. Services are under the direction of Minton Chatwell Funeral Directors of Panhandle. In lieu of flowers his memory may be honored with a gift to the First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 549, Panhandle, Texas 79068, the Panhandle Inn Foundation, P.O. Box 550, Panhandle, Texas 79068 or to the James Mecaskey VFW Post #6927, P.O. Box 243, Panhandle, Texas 79068.

He was born October 7, 1925 in Decatur, Texas to Alma and Barney Mecaskey. Ray was raised on ranches and continued to enjoy doing occasional day work throughout his life. At the age of 17 he volunteered to join the Navy and was stationed in the South Pacific, he was sent to Pearl Harbor the day after the bombing. He received his Bachelor's Degree from North Texas State Teachers College prior to receiving his high school diploma from Decatur High School due to his deployment in the Navy. He first came to Panhandle from Decatur because his family owned the Mecaskey Drug Store in the Panhandle Inn. When he arrived in Panhandle he worked for the sheriff's office. He then went to work for Pantex where he retired as an engineer. While employed at Pantex he studied at West Texas State University earning dual Master degrees in 1972, one in Science and one in Education. Upon his retirement from Pantex he started teaching special education.

He married Jan Caldwell on November 6, 1952 in Panhandle. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Panhandle and the James Mecaskey VFW Post. Ray enjoyed riding his bicycle, watching old westerns, collecting coins and guns. He loved to learn always striving to educate himself.

He is preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Arthur B. Mecaskey; and two sisters, Mary Ruth Pine and Joy Caraway.

Survivors include his wife, Jan of the home; son, Max Mecaskey and wife Shari of Amarillo; daughters, Lana Boland and husband Ed of Panhandle, Pennie Mecaskey and David Lanier of Panhandle; five grandchildren, Bryce Hanson, Ashley Boland, Mitch Boland, Gregg Ward and wife Patricia, Victoria Ward and Jesse Slaughter, Alexandrea Ward and fiancé Alex Davis; and two great grandchildren, Liam and Abby Ward.

Visitation

Minton Chatwell Funeral Directors
510 N. Main St.
Panhandle, TX  79068
Wednesday, March 22, 2017
5-7 pm

Service

First United Methodist Church Panhandle
600 Main
Panhandle, TX  79068
Thursday, March 23, 2017
3:30 pm

Memorial Contributions

First United Methodist Church
Box 549
Panhandle, TX  79068

James Mecaskey VFW Post #6972
P.O. Box 243
Panhandle, TX  79068

Panhandle Inn Foundation
P.O. Box 550
Panhandle, TX  79068