Ray A. Freels

Ray A. Freels was welcomed into the home of his Lord and Savior on September 11, 2011. He was born September 27, 1928 in Taylor, Texas. He was the son of the late Albert and Adele Freels. Ray was baptized and confirmed at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, Noack, Texas. He graduated from Thrall High School in 1946 and Southwest Texas State University in 1951 with a BBA in Accounting. Ray married his high school sweetheart, Geneva Schwenker, on March 17, 1951. He served in the US Naval Reserve, and was called to active duty during the Korean War in 1952. He received an Honorable Discharge on June 21, 1954. Ray joined Triangle Refineries Inc., a subsidiary of Kerr McGee Refining Corporation, in 1951. Ray was promoted to positions of increasing responsibility and became President of Triangle Refineries in 1976. In 1985, he became Executive Vice-President of Kerr-McGee Refinery and Senior Vice President of the parent company. In 1986, he became President of Kerr McGee Refining Corp. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the National Refiners Association and a member of the American Petroleum Institute. Ray retired from Kerr McGee in 1992 after 41 years of service. He enjoyed his work and the people with whom he associated. Ray demonstrated life long traits of honesty, integrity, professionalism and trustworthiness in all his actions. He was a loving, devoted husband, father and grandfather. His greatest joys in life were his family, friends, church and work. Ray was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Bellaire, Texas for 57 years. He served as an usher and on various committees including the church council. A favorite ministry of his at Faith Lutheran was Faith House, a home away from home for out of town Medical Center patients. Ray enjoyed working on his farm in Taylor. He loved sports and attending Major League games as well as his grandchildren’s sports events and programs. He had an endless love for his wife, children and grandchildren. He was a constant source of strength to his family. Ray’s love, generosity and commitment to his family were always at the heart of all he did. He was very proud of his children, the lives they have lived and their accomplishments. He was equally proud of the grandchildren and thanked them for the joy they have brought to his life. Ray’s quick wit brought much laughter to our lives. His determination and commitment to always strive to do his best in every situation has been a model for us. His strong sense of responsibility to his customers, family and friends was appreciated and respected. His family thanks God for letting him share so many wonderful years with us. Ray’s life has been an inspiration to us, and an example of a life dedicated to Christian principles. He will be missed not only by family, but by the many lives he has touched. Ray leaves behind to celebrate his life and cherish his memory, his devoted wife, Geneva of 60 years, his daughter Brenda Trial and her husband Joseph; son Bradley Freels and wife Claudia. His five grandchildren, Blake and Travis Trial, Clayton, Kevin and Carly Freels; his nieces, Susan Sawatsky and husband Don, Sharon Schwenker and Stancie Ley. Grandnieces, Kristen, Jennifer and Michelle Ley and numerous cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Albert and Adela Freels; son, Keith Freels; his sister, Frances and her husband Stanley Schwenker. The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to MD Anderson Hospital, Dr. Arujio and staff for the loving care given to Ray during his battle with cancer. We also thank Houston Hospice and staff for their compassionate care during Ray’s final days. The family would also like to extend our deepest thanks to the many friends and relatives that kept up Ray’s spirits. We are forever grateful for the tremendous support and encouragement through prayer, visits, phone calls, food, cards and other expressions of love and concern during Ray’s illness.

Friends are invited to visitation on Wednesday, September 14th from 5:30 to 7:30 at Earthman Bellaire Chapel at, 6700 Ferris. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, September 15th, 2011 at Faith Lutheran Church, 4600 Bellaire Blvd., with Pastor Kerry Nelson officiating. Ray’s grandsons will be pallbearers at the service. Graveside service will be Friday, September 16th, 2011 at 11:00 a.m., Taylor City Cemetery, Taylor, Texas. Memorials may be made to Faith House Ministries, 4600 Bellaire Blvd., Bellaire, Tx. 77401 or Yellowstone Academy, 300 Trulley, Houston, Tx. 77004. “A good man obtains favor from the Lord” Proverbs 12:2