Ray Pafford, Sr. of Hershey passed away March 23, 2024, at Great Plains Health at the age of 91.
Ray, the son of James and Edna Pafford, was born in Longmont, CO, on December 23, 1932. He grew up in Wyoming, served in the U.S. Navy for a couple years, then worked various jobs in different states.
On October 30, 1971, Ray married Barbara Kail in Greeley, CO. After living in many places they settled in Hershey in 1987.
Ray enjoyed fishing, dancing, golfing, gambling with his friend, Jean, and football. He also liked having backyard barbecues and being with his family. Ray was liked by everyone he met.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Barb; his parents, Jim and Edna; and daughters, Robin Burns and Mary Williams.
Ray is survived by his sons, Ray, Jr., of Hershey and Rodger of Texas; stepsons, Riley Banderet of Oregon and Roger Banderet of Ogallala; son-in-law, Kevin Burns of Arizona; siblings, Dugan (Peg) of Wyoming and Mabel of Colorado; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great great-grandchildren and other family.
Graveside service with military honors will be 3 p.m., Monday, April 1,at Fort McPherson National Cemetery with Ned Cooper officiating. Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.