Ray Carmen Hadlock

Ray C. Hadlock, age 95, died Thursday, March 31, 2023, in Rifle, Colorado after a brief illness. Born June 25, 1927, in Doyle, Oklahoma, he was the son of the late John R. and Lillie Mae (Lawson) Hadlock.  Ray grew up farming on land near the Bray-Doyle area where he attended school until his family moved to the small town of Duncan, Oklahoma, during his high school years. Ray graduated Duncan High School in 1945. After graduation, he joined the Navy and served on the USS Duluth in the Pacific during WW2. 

Ray married Norma Lorraine Moulden on December 31, 1949, and they made their home in Duncan. Ray and Norma met while they both worked at Little’s Printing & Stationary. Ray also worked in the oil field for a short time. For several years, he worked as a welder and HVAC serviceman for Arkla Gas and as a supervisor for Pixley Tubing in Marlow. He ended his work career in security for Halliburton Services. 

Ray was devoted to his wife Norma and his family. He ended his oilfield career when his first child was born as he felt his work was too dangerous for a responsible family man. 

Ray lived most of his life in Stephens County, Oklahoma. At 90 years old, his daughter and son-in-law moved from Oklahoma to Colorado and invited him to come along. He spent most of his life in Colorado puttering around in the yard and large backyard shop. The saw-shaped sign declaring that it’s “Ray’s Workshop” still hangs there.  

Ray was preceded in death by his parents John and Lillie Hadlock, his wife Norma, a son Terry, and his brother Gene. 

He is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Sean Forehand of Grand Junction, Colorado, grandson Adrian Hadlock of Chicago, sister-in-law Karen Kling of Crowley Texas, nephew Carl Kling of Louisville, Kentucky, sister-in-law Noble Hadlock and niece Carol Wilson of Glenwood, Iowa. 

Ray will be buried next to his wife Norma in Duncan, Oklahoma. Please consider making a memorial contribution in Ray’s name to the charity of your choice.