Willard Ray Cartwright

Willard Ray Cartwright was born on April 6, 1939 the son of Willard Jesse and Esther Eva Cartwright in Tulsa, Oklahoma. As a young man he grew up in Bixby, Oklahoma and entered the United States Marine Corps on July 24, 1957. During his time served, he was a tank Mechanic and a member of the Special Forces. After a parachuting accident, he received a metal of good conduct and left the service as a Lance Corporal with an honorable discharge on December 10, 1959. He served his country unselfishly and was proud to fight for our freedom. During his time in the service, Ray met his soul mate Modena Faye Prock. They found that they had more in common than just the being born on the same day and were married just in three short months. The couple was married on August 10, 1958 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Their love was unconditional and the kind of love you find only once in a lifetime. Ray often worked two jobs to provide for his family. He worked as a pipe cutter at Vision Supply for over ten years and was a welder on the side. He was also a commercial truck driver for many years and ended his career at Dowell as a dispatcher. When Ray wasn't working, you could often find him hunting, fishing, camping, boating, or heading to his favorite vacation spot in Branson. He tried to give his family as many happy memories as possible. Just mention the words, "Green Leaf State Park," and watch each one of his children's faces light up. His strength carried the family through and taught them to become one. Regardless of the circumstances, every one of their children looked at their parents and knew what true love was. Ray and Dena sent a message of total dedication and showed them what they should shoot for in a mate. Regardless of the tough times, the good memories could fill many books. Willard Ray Cartwright left this Earth on Saturday, July 18, 2009 in Cleveland, Oklahoma at the age of 70 years old. Regardless of Ray's passing, our hearts will forever be joined. Ray's absence is only physical and his spirit will continue to live within us all. Survivors include is loving wife Dena of the home, children Michael Ray and wife, Melvena Cartwright of Prue, Oklahoma, Steven Don and wife, Donna Cartwright of Sand Springs, Oklahoma, Terry Dewayne and wife, Cheryl Jean Cartwright of Wagner, Oklahoma, John David and wife, Tammy Cartwright of Hominy, Oklahoma, Cheryl Modena and fiancÈ, Steven Warner Pogue of Prue, Oklahoma; brothers Richard Gilliss of Pie Mills, Texas, Robin and wife, Glady Cartwright of Baker City, Oregon, David and wife, Glenda Cartwright of Prue, Oklahoma, Randy and wife, Brenda of Woodward, Oklahoma, Alan Cartwright, and fiancÈ, Joyce Kendrick of Cleveland, Oklahoma; sisters Barbara and husband, Elmer Morse of Bixby, Oklahoma, Rosemary and husband, Wayne Forrest of Hectorville, Oklahoma, Janice Cartwright of Fort Worth, Texas, Patty and husband, John Garret of Sapulpa, Oklahoma; grandchildren Michael Lee and wife, Jessica Cartwright, Emily Cartwright , Monica Cartwright, Tim Cartwright , Trinity Cartwright , William McDaniel, Andrew McDaniel, Jonathan and wife, Amber Cartwright, Justin and wife, Jessica Cartwright, Bridgette Cartwright and fiancÈ Dennis Burr, Rachel Pogue, Madison Goodale, Jacob Pogue, Carmen Pogue, Skye Cartwright, William Cartwright and Matthew Cartwright; great-grandchildren Taylor Cartwright, Bailey Cartwright, Dixie Cartwright, and Lila Burr as well as a host of other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents Ray was preceded in death by his son, Robin Dale Cartwright Church services will be held 10:30 am Friday, July 24, 2009 at First Assembly of God in Prue, Oklahoma with Pastor Chris Gabriel officiating. Burial will follow in the Osage Cemetery under the direction of Chapman-Black Funeral Home.