Ray Rose

George Raymond "Ray" Rose passed away on Friday, November 28th surrounded by his wife and daughters. Quick with a pun, or his infamous dad jokes, he was full of laughter and led with kindness first. He was a man that combined the farming work ethic with intelligence, kindness, peace, and humor in a way that allowed him to quietly change the lives around him.

Ray, son of George and Mildred Rose, was born on September 24, 1943, at Shawnee Municipal Hospital. He spent his childhood farming in Shawnee, working and playing alongside his cousins Dave Parris and Janice Hopkins-Fockele. Ray received his education at Pleasant Grove Elementary School, followed by Shawnee Junior High, and Senior High Schools.

First in his family to earn a college degree, Ray graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University in 1965. He met his wife, Audrey Smith Page Rose, as a Freshman in calculus class at OBU where she never let him forget she earned a better grade (and she will tell you it is the only time it happened)! They wed on March 27, 1965, in Wichita, Kansas and complemented each other throughout their married lives.

Ray and Audrey pursued further education following their undergraduate studies; Ray earned a master's degree in physics and completed all doctoral requirements except the dissertation at the University of Oklahoma in Physics. He served in the National Guard from 1967 to 1974. As an engineer, Ray contributed significantly to technological advancements. His career began at Collins Radio, followed by work with the space program at Martin Marietta, where he contributed to an experiment on Skylab. Subsequently, Ray entered the aeronautical sector, developing simulators at United Airlines in Denver and later at Burtek in Tulsa. Ultimately, he played a role in founding CymSTAR where he retired as the Chief Engineer and was well known in his field.

Throughout his education and career, Ray was a dedicated father to Linda Rose and Karen Rose, encouraging honesty, service, and laughter. He demonstrated his love for others through his calm demeanor, kind nature, and giving manner. With Audrey, he participated/ led Celebrate Recovery and became involved in work with orphans in Russia and Africa. They taught a college age Sunday School class for several years. In retirement, he worked with the Grove Robotics team, helping support them in their quest for national championships and impacting the lives of young men and women. Together, Audrey and Ray demonstrated the action to serve those people around them in need.

Mr. Rose is survived by his wife, Audrey Smith Page Rose of Shawnee; daughters Linda Rose (Chris Gibney) of Memphis, TN, and Karen Rose (Daron Hitt) of Choctaw, OK; and granddaughters Helen Lydia Craig and Emma Rose Hitt. Additionally he is survived by his sister - in-law Nancy Page Zook of DeBary, Florida, nieces and nephews, and many cousins including Dave and Janice. His parents and his sister Pearl Simpson Horne preceded him in death. With a legacy marked by his intellect and generosity, he had a positive influence on those who knew him. He is in heaven, having great conversations and solving the ultimate puzzle, all while telling the best corny joke.

Friends and loved ones are invited to a celebration of Ray's life, with reception following, to be held at 11:00AM on Saturday, December 20, 2025 in the chapel at Walker Funeral & Cremation Service with Pastor Aaron Hembree of Heritage Church officiating. Ray will be laid to rest privately at Fairview Cemetery in Shawnee.

Ray loved giving to help others, so in lieu of flowers please make a donation to your favorite charity or help someone in need.