Obituary: Harold Eugene Rayburn April 1, 1916 – June 8, 2012

Harold was born in Campbell, Missouri, the son of Charles William Rayburn and Zola Elizabeth Waltrip.  The eldest of five children, he was predeceased by sisters Virginia Paulfrey, Margaret Moates and Doris Aileen Boothby.  He is survived by a brother, Finis Rayburn.  Harold married Lois Lucille Love on January 30, 1941.  After celebrating 66 years of marriage in January 2007, Lois passed away a few months later.

Harold is survived by two children, a daughter and son-in-law, Gale and Dale Thomas, a son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Sandy Rayburn; grandchildren Kim (& Mike) Bissell, Jennifer Thomas, Joel (and Danielle) Thomas, Jamie Rayburn; great-grandchildren Kailey and Emma Bissell and Jillian and Mackenzie Thomas.  Harold’s family was the joy of his life!

The profession of tool and die maker was the career that Harold pursued for 48 years, holding jobs at the Western Cartridge Company in Woodriver, Illinois, a research plant in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and the Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico, from which he retired in 1975.  But he was also an ordained lay minister, helping with many new church starts in south Florida and New Mexico.

Harold loved the outdoors, hiking, camping, skiing, photography, and traveling.  He also took great pleasure in gardening, as exhibited by his yard and many flower beds, as well as indoor plants.

Lois and Harold had a love for people, sharing their home and meals with friends and guests.  But their greatest gift was sharing the love of Christ with those that did not know the Lord.

On Saturday, June 23rd, there will be two separate services to honor Harold.  The Graveside service will be held at Guaje Pines Cemetery at 9:00 a.m., where Harold will be laid to rest with his wife Lois.  The memorial celebration will begin at 4pm at the Christian Church of Los Alamos. Following that service, there will be a presentation of a plaque memorializing the dedication of Rayburn Hall and dinner will be served. All are welcome.

For those wishing to contribute memorial gifts, the family asks that monetary donations may be made to The Christian Church, 92 East Road, PO Box 1223, Los Alamos, NM 87544.

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