Raymond F. Power

Raymond Frances Power, 96, of Abilene, passed away on September 16, 2023, after a long, loving life.

Ray was born on July 26, 1927, in Guthrie, Oklahoma. After graduating from Guthrie High School, Ray enlisted in the US Army and spent a short time training as a paratrooper. After his military service, Ray married his high school sweetheart, Theda McCoy, in 1948 and settled in Guthrie. Ray and Theda welcomed three children: Sheridan Power, Susie Edberg (Dwight) and Ted Power (Leslie). They were married 57 years at the time of Theda’s passing in March 2006.

In 1968, the Powers moved to Abilene, Kansas, where Ray worked in agriculture sales. At the age of 62, Ray found his calling in driving the school bus for the Abilene School District. He spent two decades building relationships with each child who rode his bus. It was Ray’s joy to know each rider by name and to watch from behind the steering wheel as they grew up. An avid sports fan all his life, he especially loved driving Abilene sports teams to and from their activities. He was always cheering on the athletes, not just in their sports but in life.

Ray came to Christ through Alcoholics Anonymous in 1971 and actively supported many others seeking sobriety. He loved the Lord and was an active member of the Abilene United Methodist Church. He enjoyed playing golf and watching professional sports, especially baseball. He deeply loved his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His gentle style of friendship and encouragement was known to so many.

Ray is preceded in death by his wife, Theda, his parents, and three sisters. He is survived by his three children and four grandchildren— Steven Hall (Stacy), Lauren (Power) Denorfia (Chris), Edie (Hall) Ross (Seth) and Chandler Power (Mara Clippinger). He’s also survived by seven greatgrandchildren, many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

A memorial service will be at 2 p.m., Tuesday, October 3, at the Abilene United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the USD 435 Endowment Association. Donations made in Ray Power’s name will be used for K-12 bus trips. Donations also can be made to the Abilene United Methodist Church.

Published in the Guthrie News Leader - September 27, 2023