Wray LaFond passed away on September 9 ^th , 2021 at the age of 73.

Wray was born on May 19, 1948 in Watseka, Illinois.  His parents, Glenn LaFond and Doris Duensing, and brother, Leslie LaFond preceded him in death.

Wray is survived by his wife Beverly LaFond, his daughters Nichole LaFond and Chante Norder, his sister Patricia and brother Bud, four sweet grandchildren (Jenna, Claire, Mikayla, and Kendall), and many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Wray began life and grew up on a farm.  It was there that he learned a strong work ethic and developed a passion for trucks and tractors.    He graduated from Illinois State University where he received a BS in Chemistry.  As a young adult, US Army drafted Wray and he served in the 82 ^nd Airborne located at Fort Bragg, NC, where he was discharged honorably.  Wray then began a long career in the compressed gas industry, where he went from working as a bench Chemist in Joliet, Illinois to being an Operations Manager at Airgas in the Houston area.  He loved his job and the compressed gas industry.  He was mentor to many individuals throughout his career.

Wray and his wife made their homes in different places in the United States, including Ohio, California, Virginia, and finally the great state of Texas.  He enjoyed traveling to many places, and visited France, Japan, Belgium, and the Caribbean.  He was an avid golfer and enjoyed his Sunday rounds of golf with friends.  He loved to drink wine and visited Napa Valley often.  Wray had a great sense of humor and his family enjoyed his wry wit.  He was a dog lover, and took many walks and swims with his faithful golden retrievers over the years (Sadie and Bailey).