Raymond Donald England passed away peacefully July 29, 2025, in Elmore City, Oklahoma, at the age of 96. Born March 31, 1929, in Doyle, Oklahoma, to Robert and Pearly (Copeland) England, Raymond was the third oldest of nine children. He grew up with one brother and seven sisters, and from an early age, he was known for his strong work ethic and determination to build a better life, having been born during the Great Depression.
Raymond graduated from high school in Hurlwood, Texas, and married the love of his life, Pauline (Duff) England, in 1958 in Grand Junction, Colorado. Their marriage was a true partnership, marked by deep love, respect, and a shared commitment to family.
He began his working life building radio towers before moving into the oilfield in 1953. Over the years, Raymond rose through the ranks, eventually retiring as a respected tool pusher and supervisor. Known for his hands-on knowledge and steady leadership, he was someone others looked up to. Raymond was as handy in the shop as he was in the field—there wasn’t much he couldn’t fix. He took pride in maintaining a productive garden and had a well-earned reputation for cooking a “mean steak.” But more than his many talents, it was his character that stood out. He taught those around him the value of honesty and the importance of a strong work ethic.
The true highlights of Raymond’s life were his beloved wife, Pauline, his children, grandchildren and especially his great-grandchildren. His legacy lives on in the lessons he passed down, the stories he shared and the lives he shaped. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Raymond is survived by his sons, Raymond England Jr. and wife, Patricia, of Elmore City, Oklahoma, and Richard England and wife, Shannon, of Pauls Valley, Oklahoma; daughter, Debbie House of Elmore City, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Russell England and wife, Liz, of Choctaw, Oklahoma, Zachary England and wife, Miranda, of Foster, Oklahoma, Brian England and Morgan of Panama City, Florida, Shelby Helvey and husband, Marshall, of Marlow, Oklahoma, Lewis House and Daylee Harrell of Elmore City, Oklahoma, Casandra Gaston of Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, and Riley Morgan of Pauls Valley, Oklahoma; great-grandchildren, Allie England, Aiden England, Cullen House, Lilly England, Kase Helvey, Arya House, Magnolia England, Kolt Helvey, Wrenlee England and Zander House; and a host of other friends and family.
Raymond was preceded in death by his wife, Pauline (Duff) England; parents, Robert and Pearly England; son-in-law, Mike House; one brother and seven sisters.
Graveside services for Raymond were held Thursday, August 7, 2025, at Foster Cemetery in Foster, Oklahoma, with Danny Reed officiating. Services are under the direction of Wooster Funeral Home. If you would like to send your condolences to the family, you may do so at woosterfuneralhomes.com.
