Ray Evans

Ray Evans was born June 1, 1951, in Anadarko, Oklahoma, to Elward Ralph and Oleta Beulah (Friesen) Evans. He passed away Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Oklahoma Heart Hospital in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, at the age of 74.  Ray grew up in the Binger area and graduated from Binger High School. During his school years, he learned the value of hard work at an early age helping his father in the peanut fields, doing chores before school, and riding horses to tend the cattle.  During high school, Ray worked at Gunter Peanut Company and later at HollyTex. He went on to build a long and respected career in banking, working at Anadarko Bank & Trust, Investors Bank in Anadarko, Bank of Union in Union City and El Reno, and eventually retiring from Chickasha Bank & Trust, which later merged with Liberty Bank. In addition to his banking career, Ray owned and operated a lawn care business for a time and remained dedicated to farming and ranching throughout his life, continuing that work up until his passing.  On November 8, 1984, Ray married the love of his life, Darlene Ray, in Anadarko, Oklahoma. Together, they built a life centered around faith, family, and hard work. Ray loved traveling with Darlene, often taking spontaneous day trips without a destination, simply enjoying the journey together.  Ray had a deep love for his family and community. He enjoyed golfing and often organized golf tournaments for civic organizations, families in need, and local causes. He was a strong supporter of local schools, especially FFA, and was honored as an honorary FFA member. He also enjoyed playing poker, cards, and dominoes with family and treasured special one-on-one time, including father-daughter trips and making lifelong memories with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Known for his generous heart, Ray was always willing to help others without expecting anything in return. He had a great sense of humor and was known for pulling pranks on coworkers and friends, especially during his years in banking. He loved ranching, riding horses, and teaching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren the value of hard work. He was a role model who showed his grandsons how to be good men and his granddaughters how to choose one.  Ray was the rock and foundation of his family—a man whose influence will live on through the lives he touched. There is a part of Ray in each of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Darlene Evans of the home; five daughters, Michelle Pastel and husband David of Horseheads, New York, Jeannie Frazier and husband Chris of Hinton, Oklahoma, Melissa Harrison and husband Michael of Binger, Oklahoma, Shawna Haase and partner Billy Nehring of Horseheads, New York, and Crystal Williams and husband Jamie of Gracemont, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Trista Frazier of El Reno, Oklahoma, Shawna Moore of Hinton, Oklahoma, Isaac Pastel and partner Abby Clark of Boston, Massachusetts, Zachary Pastel of Horseheads, New York, Jacob Williams of Binger, Oklahoma, Calob Williams of Fort Cobb, Oklahoma, Evan Williams and Kaylie Williams, both of Gracemont, Oklahoma, Amanda Dirickson and husband Jeff of Gracemont, Oklahoma, Blaine Harrison and wife Ashley of Fort Cobb, Oklahoma, and Paisley and Piper Harrison of Fletcher, Oklahoma; great-grandchildren, Addison Moore, Izabella Frazier, Cadyn, C.J., and Creed Moore, Maverick Dirickson, and Emma and Axl Harrison.

He is also survived by one brother, Roy Evans and wife Jeanne of Hinton, Oklahoma; brothers-in-law, Roland Ray of Denver, Colorado, and Duane Ray and Jackie of Warm Beach, Washington; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many dear friends.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Elward and Oleta Evans; his sister, Rena Fern Evans; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Lodell and Thelma Ray.

 Viewing will be at the Turner Funeral Home, in Hinton beginning Saturday, April 18, 2026. 

Services will be at the First Baptist Church, Wednesday, 10:00 am, April 22, 2026 in Hinton, OK

 with Bro. Louis Bennett and Rev. Dennis King officiating, burial will follow at the Murray Cemetery, Binger, OK services entrusted to Turner Funeral Home, Hinton, Oklahoma. Condolences may be sent to the family at turnerfuneralhomes@gmail.com, turnerfh.net, or you can find us on facebook.com (Turner Funeral Homes).

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