Raymond S. Wygant

Ray served with the United States Army during the Korean War. After being honorably discharged, he married the former H. Jean Welsh. Ray and Jean were married at the First Presbyterian Church in Meadville, PA on April 25, 1959. Jean survives.

In his early years, Ray worked as a track operator for the Erie Lackawanna Rail Service, based in Meadville, PA. Ray was an electrician by trade, and was well-known in the Western New York area servicing many electric customers. He purchased the former Nagle Electric of Gowanda and kept the business going well after his retirement.

Ray and Jean both are members of the Gowanda First Presbyterian Church. Ray was also a member of the American Legion Post 409, the Gowanda Moose and the Gowanda Kiwanis Club. He also made himself available to serve meals on wheels to many of the "shut-ins" throughout the community.

Surviving, besides his wife of 57 years, are two sons, Mark (Tracey) Wygant of Fredonia and Michael (Teri) Wygant of Forestville. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Steven Wygant, Sarah (Joe) Schubbe, Jared (Katie) Wygant, Grace Wygant, LaRay (Shaun) Gabel and Matthew (Sarah) Krebs; along with seven great-grandchildren, brother Richard (wife Johnny) Wygant and sister Rose Ann (Joseph) Anesetti, all of Texas; along with several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Ray was preceded in death by a daughter, Connie Wygant, who passed away in 2009.

Friends may call at the Schindler Funeral Home, 44 Center St., Gowanda from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, September 27, where funeral services with Military Honors will be held Wednesday, September 28 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Donna K. Lewis officiating.

Memorials may be made to the Collins Volunteer Fire Dept., Main St., Collins, NY 14034.

Arrangements are by the Schindler Funeral Home, Gowanda (716) 532-4200.

Obituary from the Observer