John Rayburn

John b. Rayburn, 66, of Alpine, Texas, passes away on Thursday, April 23, 2015 in Alpine. John was born February 24, 1949 in Falfurrias, Texas to Johnny Rayburn and Sue Anna Rayburn.

John was born and raised in Falfurrias, Texas where he attended and graduated high school. Upon graduation he enlisted and served in the United States Army. While in the Army, john served in Vietnam where he was called into special services to entertain the troops with his brothers in arms wielding their music. On August 3rd, 1979 John married his soul mate, Elizabeth Ann Balsdon in Langdon, ND. John attended and earned a degree in Geology from Sul Ross University in December 1985. He was employed as a Network Administrator for Sul Ross University from1998 until retirement in 2013. He was devoted to being a father to his sons, surrogate to countless and friend to many. John took pride in bringing folks together with his intellect, food and fellowship. John was a friend of Bill W. for 30 years.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Johnny and Sue Anna Rayburn; father and mother-in-law, Bill and JoAnn Balsdon, brother in-law, David Balsdon, and daughter in-law, Melaney Parker.

Those left to honor and cherish his memory, are his wife, Elizabeth Ann Rayburn of Alpine, sons, John F. Rayburn of Alpine, Paedric W. Rayburn and wife Mariah of Alpine, siblings, James Rayburn of Canyon Lane, TX, Larry Rayburn and wife Barbara of Cheyenne, WY., Sharon Evans and husband, Craig of Lewisville, Tx, Vallerie Farmer and husband, Anthony of Rockport, Tx, sister in-law, Susie Balsdon and Chuck Sornsin of Fargo, ND, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that will miss him dearly.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Sunday, April 26, 2015, at 12 noon at the Kokernot Lodge, Loop Road 223, Alpine, Texas.

The family requests memorials be made to Sul Ross State University Rio Grand Research Institute or Center of Big Bend Studies in John's name.

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