Welton Ray McLearen, 88, a longtime resident of Desdemona, Texas passed from this life June 26, 2023, at his home. Ray was born October 19, 1934, in Hamilton, Texas to Virgil McLearen and Mae Thompson McLearen. Ray married Linda Lewis on October 19, 1960, in Comanche County.

Ray was raised in Hamilton and Meridian and attended school in Leon Junction. He served in the United States Army as an artillery mechanic and spent twenty-eight months in Nancy, France. After completing his military service, Ray moved to Gorman where he met Linda. They married and finally settled in the Desdemona Community, raised their family, and have called it home for the past seventy years. They were long-time members of Desdemona First Baptist Church. Ray was employed with De Leon Independent School District for over thirty years serving as the Transportation Department Supervisor. He would also drive the bus routes as needed and was a skilled mechanic and technician. He retired from DISD after three decades of dedicated service.

Ray enjoyed many hobbies including farming, fishing, hunting, and was a caretaker of all the animals. He loved to feed the deer and watch wildlife.  He enjoyed his time spent with his buddies at the coffee shop telling stories and tall tales. After Linda passed, Ray would attend the DAC dances where he would dance for hours. He was a deeply rooted family man and his favorite title in life was PawPaw. He adored his grandbabies and they thought he hung the moon. He was a devoted husband, loving father and brother, and special granddad. He leaves behind a loving legacy and will be missed beyond measure by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his son, Kevin McLearen and wife, Kay; daughter, Diana Kay Gray; grandchildren, Gary McLearen and wife, Kristen, Dara Prather and husband, Justin, Kara Espe and husband, Sam, Dustin Gray and wife, Lindsy, and Brandon Smith and wife, Hannah; great-grandchildren, Khambri Espe, Kaylynn Espe, Skylar Espe, Hayden McLearen, and Dayson Gray; brother, Donald McLearen and wife, Betty; sister, Montes Rasco; numerous nieces and nephews; and other extended family. Ray has been reunited with his wife, Linda; son, Philip McLearen; and grandson, Michael McLearen.

Funeral services were held Monday, July 10, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Desdemona First Baptist Church with Brother Johnny Hart officiating. Ray was laid to rest beside his wife in Desdemona Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Desdemona First Baptist Church in memory of Ray.