Raymond Hoyt Linkletter

Raymond Hoyt Linkletter

April 15, 1932 ~ December 21, 2015

Raymond Hoyt Linkletter, of Montrose, Colorado passed away peacefully on December 21, 2015 at Colorow Care Center in Olathe. Raymond was 83 years old. Ray was born April 15, 1932 to Archie and Esther (Gay) Linkletter in Delta, Colorado. He spent his childhood in Delta and graduated from Delta High School. Raymond joined the Navy after high school and was honorably discharged three years later. He attended Mesa State Collage in Grand Junction, Colorado pursuing an engineering degree until he met and married Mary Ida Markley. They were married March 20th, 1956. Their marriage ended in divorce in 1991. Ray re-enlisted in the Navy and retired from the Navy in 1974 after serving his country for 23 years. He re-located to Montrose, Colorado after retiring from the Navy where he made his home until his death. He was employed as a Maintenance Manager for Russell Stover Candies’ for another twenty years.

Ray was a member of the Montrose Elk’s Lodge, and a member of the Black Canyon Men’s Club for many years. Ray was a gifted athlete all his adult life. He played football, baseball, and basketball during high school. He loved softball, bowling, handball, hunting, fishing, and gambling. His favorite sport was golfing. Ray was known for his great sense of humor and his generosity. He was easy going and took each day as it came and he will be missed by all who knew him.

Ray is survived by his daughter Janet Alberts of Delta, Colorado, four grandchildren, Robert Butler of Delta, Colorado, Stephen Butler of Montrose, Colorado, Jason Butler of Gunnison, Colorado, and Shane Butler of Montrose, Colorado and numerous Great Grandchildren. Ray was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Richard and Jack Linkletter.

A Celebration of Ray’s life will be held Saturday, January 16, 2016 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Montrose Elk’s Lodge. Crippin Funeral Home & Crematory in Montrose, Colorado is assisting the family.