Ray Everhart

In Loving Memory of Ray Everhart
September 20, 1948 - June 11, 2025
Age 76
Ray Everhart was born in Denver, Colorado, to Jack and Betty Everhart, and was a beloved brother to Mark Everhart. He grew up in Aurora, Colorado, where he started his academic career from junior high and on. Ray formed deep roots and lifelong memories. He was an athlete through and through-playing baseball, football, swimming and gymnastics in high school, and later competing in water polo during college.
Following in the proud tradition of his grandfather and father, Ray joined the Navy and served honorably aboard nuclear submarines. After his service, he returned to Colorado and worked as a Stationary Engineer, skillfully operating and maintaining Denver's high-rise buildings.
In 1985, he married his forever love, Paula. Their connection was instant and enduring-married just two weeks after their first date at Christmas-time, something they both called "crazy, but perfect." Together, they built a beautiful life, filled with love, laughter, and adventure.
In 2005, after surviving three heart attacks, Ray retired. Paula sold her beloved barbershop-the one Ray had built for her-and together they took off in their motorhome, exploring the country before settling in Kerrville, Texas. The couple didn't think that Texas would be their forever home but Ray would say with a smile "They mow the grass in January," he was delighted to trade snow for sunshine.
They eventually made a home in a quiet senior park, where Ray enjoyed simple joys: sitting on the porch, lunches with friends, BBQs, peaceful golf cart rides to the river, and time spent with their loyal little puppy Maggie, now 16 years old. After spending a decade in Kerrville the couple had been blessed with the opportunity to start a new chapter and journey.
Nearly four years ago, Ray and Paula moved to Longview, Texas, where their daughter Stephanie and his granddaughters ( Natalie and Makayla) joined them to help care for Ray as his Navy-related health issues grew more difficult. Through it all, his strength and spirit never wavered.
Ray was a devoted husband to Paula, a loving father to Adam(Rachelle) and Stephanie, and a proud grandfather-"Papa"-to Natalie, Makayla, Caitlin, and Christopher. Ray was deeply honored that Adam chose to carry on the tradition by giving Christopher a middle name passed down through five generations. Ray cherished his family deeply and leaves behind countless joyful, funny, and treasured memories.
On June 11, 2025, the Lord gently took Ray home, freeing him from pain but leaving a profound emptiness in the hearts of those who love him.
Paula writes:
"I took his pain. My heart aches with the emptiness he left behind, but I also carry beautiful, fun-filled memories. I didn't need a second date-because our first date lasted 40 years. We didn't let sickness define us; instead, it opened our eyes and reminded us to embrace life and create every cherished moment we could."
May Ray rest in peace, surrounded by the love he gave so freely.
We all love and miss you deeply!!