Raymond Bivin

Raymond L. Bivin, resident of Shidler, died Wednesday, November 5, 2008, at his home. He was 78 years of age. Raymond was born on November 27, 1929, in Joplin, Missouri, the son of Ferrel C. and Margaret E. Dewitt Bivin. The family moved to Shidler when he was two years old, where he graduated from Shidler High School in 1947. He served in the USAF receiving an honorable discharge in 1952; studied journalism at San Antonio University, Texas; and on returning to Shidler became the owner of the lumber store which was destroyed by fire in 1965. In 1966, Raymond traveled overseas working as a Materials Controller in pipeline construction for Williams Brothers in Iran and Saudi Arabia; Fluor Corporation in Pakistan; Santa Fe in Saudi Arabia; Willbros International in Oman, Teheran, and Nigeria. He retired from Willbros after 23 12 years, working Stateside in Houston, Texas, for the last nine years. Raymond was an avid gardener and is responsible for The Bivin Garden in Shidler, which he commenced developing in 1982 with the help of his wife, Mollie, whom he met and subsequently married in London, England, in 1981. Survivors include his wife, Mollie, of the home; his three sons, Brett, of Shawnee; Kent, of Granite; Brian of St. Louis, Missouri; four nieces Debbie Chesser, husband Tom, Holdenville; Rita Scott, husband Jerry, Shawnee; Marilyn Brownridge, husband Ron, Elk City; Deedee Morehead, Sherman, Texas; two nephews Doug Bivin, wife Mary, Krebbs; Dennis Debo, wife Marilyn, Dallas, Texas; and many grandchildren; great nieces and great nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers Ferrel Junior; C.A. Cardy; W.E. Windy; and an only sister Evelyn Ware. A memorial service is to be held at the First Baptist Church, S. Gypsy, in Shidler, at 1 p.m. Friday, November 14, 2008. Arrangements are under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel. The family requests memorial contributions to a charity or organization of your choice.