Raymond C Ogborn

Husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, brother-in-law and friend, Raymond C. Ogborn, went to Heaven on January 28, 2016.  Ray was 77 years old and had been a patient at Crestwood Care Center in Shelby for the last several weeks.

Ray was born in Columbus, Ohio on July 6, 1938, to the late Clarence "Bud" and Grace (Dysart) Ogborn. He graduated from Mount Vernon High School in 1956 and married his wife of 57 years, Carolyn (Fletcher), while he was serving in the US Navy. Ray worked at Tech Forms in Shelby for 25 years and then MTD in Willard until he reached retirement. He was a long-time member and former youth Sunday School teacher of Trinity United Methodist Church in Shelby.  Ray was a loyal fan of the Cleveland Browns, the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Cleveland Indians and he passed down his love of the game to his children; Sherri Roth (Steve), Greg (Rose Lopez), David (Amy) and his grandchildren Ashleigh, Ryan and Phillip. Like his father before him, Ray was a Mason and he was a proud 46 year member of Shelby Lodge #350 and Royal Arch Masons Chapter #178.

Ray’s mother-in-law, the late June Gatton, often would point to him at a family event and say, “That man right there is one in a million.” Her statement stood alone without the need for details because everyone present knew Ray’s character and the selfless way he lived his life. He was a quiet, unassuming family man who worked hard and steadily to support his wife and children. But to be labeled as “one in a million” takes a bit more: Every Friday Ray walked through the kitchen door right after work, paycheck in hand, and put it in the “paycheck mug” for safe-keeping. No matter how hot and tired he might have been from hours of welding in a hot shop, he never refused a request to play catch or to practice batting in the backyard. He loved to hunt and fish but always showed respect for animals and the environment. Many of the squirrels, rabbits and deer being tracked by Ray lived another day because he decided that he could not make a clean shot. Ray never left the dinner table before complementing his wife or daughter on the meal. He liked to play euchre and was a humble winner and a good-natured loser.  He was a good dancer and loved to play the guitar and harmonica, especially around a campfire. He never forgot to put out lunch money every morning before school. Ray was slow to anger and quick to forgive, qualities that made him a much-loved Little League coach and Boy Scout leader. He taught those who were entrusted to him that it’s not winning that counted, but how they played the game. Ray was kind…he was patient…he was a “one in a million” man, and he was LOVED. 

Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Monday February 1, 2016 at the Barkdull Funeral Home & Crematory in Shelby. Reverend Dr. Edna Stahl, his pastor, will officiate with internment in Oakland Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home Sunday from 2:00 to 4:00 PM where Masonic services will be held at 4:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Trinity United Methodist Church in Shelby. 

 Service Information