Joseph Raymond Trayhan
April 29, 1930 - October 15, 2020
Joseph Raymond Trayhan, 90, of Cibolo, Texas passed away on Thursday, October 15, 2020 at Northeast Methodist Hospital in San Antonio. He was born to Melvin Trayhan and Antoinette Bernard in Burlington, Vermont on April 29, 1930. He is survived by his sons, Ed Trayhan and wife Tressa of Marion, Texas and John M. Trayhan and wife Kimberly of Garden Ridge, Texas; daughters, Joan Trayhan and husband Altiero Repanic of Austin, Texas and Judy Trayhan and fiancé Rich Hilms of Selma, Texas; grandchildren, Shana Miller, Shay Ashby, Destry Trayhan and wife Liset, Whitney Trayhan, Raymond Findley, and Sarah Trayhan, and numerous great grandchildren; brother John Melvin Trayhan and wife Helen of Keene, New Hampshire and numerous nieces and nephews; and one step son and step daughter in-law, Mickey and Connie Early of Rotan, one step daughter and step son in-law, Barbara and John Rector of Knox City, and numerous step grandchildren and great step grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife Margaret (Fey) Trayhan; second wife Daphene (Early) Trayhan, and sister June Lescord. Public Visitation will begin 5:00 PM Sunday October 25, 2020 at Zoeller Funeral Home with a Vigil and Rosary at 7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 AM Monday, October 26, 2020 at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church with burial to follow in Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Cemetery.
Joseph (Joe, or uncle Ray) was born in Burlington, Vermont. While still in high school began playing guitar, and with his brother (John), entertained their high school and played at local venues. He enjoyed playing his guitar throughout his life. After high school he joined the United States Air Force, ending up at Randolph Air Force Base (RAFB). Shortly after completing three years of service, Joe re-enlisted in the Air Force Reserves and retired as Chief Master Sergeant after serving 26 years as Loadmaster. In addition to his military service, Joe retired from Union Pacific Railroad (formerly Missouri Pacific Railroad) serving 35 years as a brakeman, switchman, and conductor.
While at RAFB he met his first wife (Margaret Fey, pre deceased) in New Braunfels, Texas where they began their family. At this time he also attended Southwest Texas State Teachers College (Texas State) for two years. Joe lived most of his life in San Antonio, Texas spending time researching family genealogy and saltwater fishing in the Rockport, Texas area. He traveled extensively in his motor coach typically visiting family in Ohio, New Hampshire, and Vermont. Enjoying the RV lifestyle, Joe spent 10 years residing/traveling in his Foretravel motor coach. In addition, he obtained his private pilot's certificate flying solo to New Hampshire from San Antonio. While working on genealogy, he met his second wife (Daphene Early, pre deceased) in Rotan, Texas were they lived for nearly 12 years. While living in Rotan, Joe also enjoyed walking, briskly completing a 5 mile walk daily, playing cards, dominoes, watching/investing in the stock market, and listening to bluegrass and country and western music. Even in his 80's, he would drive to the Schertz area to attend family gatherings for birthdays, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. At age 89 Joe moved to Cibolo, Texas and since January, 2020 resided at The Legacy at Forest Ridge (assisted living facility) in Schertz, Texas.
The family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to Dr. Kapoor, his staff; The Legacy at Forest Ridge staff; and Northeast Methodist Hospital staff who assisted our father during this difficult time.
