Ramon (Ray) Lyle Prange passed peacefully from this world on December 11.

He was born on August 6, 1926 in Overland Park (Kansas) to Reverend Edward F. and Frieda Oehninger Prange. Because Reverend Prange was called to service in a number of Lutheran Churches, Ray went to school in Sterling and Denver (Colorado) and Wakeeney (Kansas).

He enlisted in the Army Air Corps in November of 1943 and served until October of 1946. Upon discharge, He took advantage of the Army GI Bill educational program and attended Kansas State University where he received an accounting degree. He was posted to the Azores Islands which served as an important staging area for Allied aircraft during WWII.

Ray actively interviewed (with mixed results) several potential employers during his final semester at Kansas State. He got a firm job offer from an international fruit company to manage a banana plantation (in Panama). He received an invitation for a follow-up interview with the Federal Bureau of Investigation but was dismissed from consideration because he did not "wear a hat well."

He joined Pan American Petroleum (which became Amoco Petroleum - which became British Petroleum) and was with them for 34 years. Amoco quickly noted his meticulous nature and assigned him to audit company drilling operations. This work required Ray to travel the world and he had a rich collection of first-hand experiences which he shared with friends and family.

Ray married Phyllis Shilling of Ardmore (Oklahoma) in 1965 while they were both working at the Amoco Oklahoma City Office. They were married for 45 years. Phyllis preceded him in death, passing away in 2010.

The memorial service for Ray will be live streamed via a link that will be available just before his service on his Tribute Wall .
In Lieu of flowers, donations can made in his name to Saint Simeon's Senior Community or My Choice.

Memorial Service will be 2PM, Monday, January 29, 2024 at Moore's Southlawn Chapel, 9350 East 51st Street, Tulsa, Oklahoma.