Donald Ray Waldren

Donald Ray Waldren, 71, died Friday, April 9, 2010 at an Abilene medical center. Born in Baird, Texas on June 29, 1938, Ray was the son of Ora Mae (Clark) and Willis Dolphus "Dub" Waldren. He was a commercial insulator, working in commercial construction on pipes and ducts. Ray was self-employed for many years, and later worked for many years for Shoemaker Insulation. Ray married Sandra Jean Paschall on January 3, 1959 in Abilene. Texas. He was a member of the John Sayles Masonic Lodge in Abilene. Ray was also an avid fisherman and member of the Texins Bass Club. His parents and brother, Harold Waldren, preceded Ray in death. Ray is survived by his wife, Sandra Waldren of Abilene; son, Steve Waldren and partner, Homer Hernandez, of Dallas; daughter, Tammy Tackett and husband Larry of Clyde; grandson, Bobby Tackett; and great-granddaughter, Jordyn Tackett. Survivors also include two sisters, Juanita Rains and husband Bobby, and Carolyn Hardy, all of Abilene, and numerous nieces and nephews. A visitation and Celebration of Ray's Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, April 12, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home Chapel, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, North Central Texas Chapter, 301 So. Pioneer Drive, Suite 105, Abilene, TX 79605.