Elton Ray Cogburn, 69, of De Leon, peacefully passed from this life Friday, October 27, 2023. He was born October 13, 1954, in San Antonio, Texas to Aubrie Delton Cogburn and Erma Jo Pearson Cogburn. Ray married Karen June Jennings on October 16, 1976, and they just recently celebrated their 47th anniversary.

Ray was raised in De Leon and graduated with the De Leon Bearcat Class of 1973. During high school he was employed by Lampman Grocery and later Womack's Nursery, both jobs he always spoke fondly of. Ray moved to Missouri in 1976 where he met the love of his life, Karen. For the six years he resided in Missouri, he was employed by Detroit Tool where he worked as a tool and die maker and later as the logistics expediter. He and Karen moved home to De Leon in 1982 and he joined his dad in the family business. He was the sponsoring broker for Cogburn Real Estate from 2003 until 2022 and this next year will mark 70 years that Cogburn Real Estate has had the blessing of serving De Leon, and surrounding cities and counties. Ray assisted folks with their real estate needs for 41 of those years.

Ray always loved to be working but when he wasn't helping others, he enjoyed many personal hobbies. He loved John Deere tractors and was a collector of many series. He also had a lifelong love for classic and fast cars – both owning them and driving them. The most important priority in Ray's life was his relationship with Jesus Christ. He was a lifelong faithful member and leader of Southside Church of Christ, De Leon. Ray was a true servant of the Lord and always looked for opportunities to share the love of God with others. After his unexpected passing, his family discovered he had all his funeral hymns noted in his hymnal. Ray was a loving and devoted husband, a special brother and uncle, an attentive son, a true friend to many, and a dedicated community member. Ray's absence in Cogburn Real Estate, Comanche County, and among his family will leave an indescribable void but his eternal presence in Heaven is one to celebrate. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his wife, Karen; mother, Jo Cogburn; brother, Byrl Cogburn and wife, Eileen; sister, Beth Watts and husband, Tim; sister-in-law, Joyce Shelton; numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family. Ray has been reunited with his father, Delton; and parents-in-law, Fred and Berchie Jennings.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, October 31, 2023, at 10:30 a.m., at Church of Christ Hwy 6, De Leon, with Brother Jerry Johnson officiating and Brother Jim Johnson leading music. Interment followed in Oliver Springs Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were Byrl Cogburn, Chad Perryman, Daniel Cogburn, Kendall Watts, Martin Cogburn and Gordon Watts. Honorary pallbearers were Sonny McClanahan and David Mizer. If desired, memorial contributions in Ray's memory may be made to the De Leon Volunteer Fire Department at PO Box 491, De Leon, or to the De Leon Livestock Association c/o Lisa Nowlin PO Box 136, De Leon, Texas 76444.