Warren Raymond Shogan

On August 11, 2025, Warren Raymond “Ray” Shogan, age 93, of Torrance, California, went home to be with the Lord, with his devoted, loving wife of 59 years, Linda, at his side.

Ray and his twin brother, Ronald, were born on November 29, 1931, in Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania, to Andrew and Regina Shogan. They were the sixth and seventh of nine children, all born at home.

A proud graduate of Turtle Creek High School (Class of 1949), Ray joined the U.S. Navy in 1950, where he attended Electronics Technician School. His service was honored with the National Defense Service Medal.

Following his military service, Ray lived and worked in many places, including Pittsburgh, PA; Youngstown, OH (where he attended the American Television School); New Orleans, LA; and Alexandria, VA. While working for RCA, he spent 18 months in Thule, Greenland.

Ray’s work took him around the globe—most notably to Alice Springs, Australia and to the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands. His travels brought him to all but two continents, fulfilling his love of exploration both for work and for pleasure.

Ray built a distinguished 30-year career at TRW Space and Defense Sector. As a member of the TRW Systems Apollo Team, he contributed to the historic Apollo 11 mission, which saw Neil Armstrong become the first man to walk on the moon. For his role in this landmark achievement, NASA awarded Ray the Apollo II Medallion. In addition, Ray was a pioneer in helping build and maintain the Joint Defense Space Research Facility (JDSRF) in Alice Springs beginning in 1969 until his retirement.

A man of deep faith, Ray was a dedicated member of St. James Catholic Church in Redondo Beach, CA, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 1990. Outside of work and church, he embraced life with enthusiasm. Above all, Ray was devoted to his family. He enjoyed woodworking, line dancing, golfing, eating cookies, exercising at UFC Gym, reading, visiting casinos, and watching a wide range of sports—especially NASCAR, cycling, hockey (cheering on the LA Kings), baseball, college basketball, and always his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers and Pirates. In later years, he found great joy in challenging his caregivers to spirited games of Gin Rummy.

Ray’s kindness, generosity, and humble warm spirit touched countless lives. He accepted life’s challenges with quiet dignity and grace. He was deeply loved by his large blended family, respected by colleagues, cherished by lifelong friends, and caregivers. Our lives have been blessed by the kind, caring person that Ray was and he will be deeply missed. His legacy will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Ray is survived by his wife, Linda; daughters Lynna Shogan (Ron Piazza), Rae Lynn Milan (Michael), and Melissa Collins (Sidney); stepdaughters Valerie Wilks (Alan), Bonnie Terk (David), and Marilyn Crouch (Michel Van Lancker); brothers Ronald Shogan and Regis Shogan; sister Patricia Chambers; 14 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-granddaughters, and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial mass for Ray will be held Thursday, August 21, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Saint James Catholic Church, 415 Vincent St., Redondo Beach, CA 90277. Immediately following mass, a Celebration of Life and Reception will be held at Lighthouse Memorials & Receptions, 5310 Torrance Blvd, Torrance, CA 90503.

Those wishing to honor Ray are invited to donate to one of the following organizations: Tunnels to Towers Foundation, Wounded Warrior Project, The Bob Hope USO LAX, or a charity of their choice.

Please see a recording of the Memorial Service using this link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mW9Qg1Q-_Ro