Ray Bostian

Mr. Ray Don Bostian, age 85 of Hope, Arkansas, passed away Friday, December 14, in Texarkana, Texas. Mr. Bostian was born in Plum Bayou, Arkansas, on September 9, 1933, to Don Taylor and Ida Saxton (Skipper) Bostian. He was a retired high school guidance counselor. He was of Baptist Faith, retired Baptist minister and a veteran of the United States Air Force in the Korean Conflict. He is preceded in death by his parents; four sisters, Dalene Surratt, Shirley Whittemore, Muriel Bradshaw and Faye Dale Bostian; and one son, David Ray Bostian. Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Martha (Elam) Bostian, three daughters, Rachel Engebrecht, husband Shane of Morrilton, Arkansas; Laura Hughes, husband Tim of Murfreesboro, Arkansas; and Ida Bostian, husband Brad Blackmon of Washington D. C.; four grandchildren, Brittney LePore, husband Derek LePore of Denver, Colorado; Sarah Engebrecht of Morrilton, Arkansas; Colton Hughes of Murfreesboro, Arkansas; and John David Engebrecht of Morrilton, Arkansas; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, relatives and friends.

Ray Don grew up in the Plum Bayou/England, Arkansas area, where his parents were cotton farmers, and they lived amidst a large and loving extended family. From 1953 to 1957, he served in the U.S. Air Force, as an airplane and jet engine mechanic, including as a crew chief in Korea and Taiwan. Upon return to civilian life he attended Ouachita Baptist University, where he met his wife Martha, impressing her with his humor and musical ability. They married in 1961.  He later completed seminary and a master’s degree in education, and they lived in multiple places throughout Arkansas and (briefly) Texas. Ray preached and taught high school English and debate, and served as a guidance counselor for several years. After retirement, he became an avid woodworker and managed a tree farm in the Evening Shade area, outside of Hope.

Ray Don was an exceptionally easygoing man, a good-natured and loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, neighbor, and friend. He loved animals and was happiest when he had a cat, dog, or goat to take care of. He played the harmonica, especially bluegrass and gospel music; enjoyed traveling; and was an avid Razorback football fan. He loved genealogy and uncovered several generations of his family tree.  He even discovered that Bostian was originally a German name, a family mystery for many generations. He loved newspaper comics, and for the last several years of his life, would daily send an email with comic strips, a weather report, and a few thoughts on life to all his children and grandchildren.

The family suggests sending memorial contributions to Heifer Project International.

Funeral service will be at 2:00pm on Tuesday December 18, 2018 at First Church of Hope with Bro. Samuel Adkins officiating. Family visitation will be one-hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in Huckabee Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of BRAZZEL/Oakcrest The Funeral Home of Eddie Brazzel Director. Online register www.brazzelfuneralhomes.com