Raymond Harvey Mickan

Raymond Harvey Mickan, age 84, of Walburg, Texas, died peacefully on November 18th, 2018 at the house he built in Walburg, Texas surrounded by family members.If you met him, the first words from his mouth were, “Where’re you from?” He wanted to hear your story. Either way, you were about to hear his. This is the short version. . .Ray was born on August 21st, 1934—he was born, raised, married, and employed on the same corner in Walburg. He married Ethel Kieschnick Mickan on November 24th, 1955, at Zion Lutheran Church and carried her into the house he built for her, where they lived and loved together for 63 years. After high school, he farmed and did custom dirt work and combining. He later worked for the family business, Mickan Motor Company, started by his dad in 1927. Uniformed in his coveralls, he ran the business after his father’s death in 1966 and passed it on to his son Danny in 2000. Antique farm equipment, his pet Longhorns, and several donkeys adorn his land, and even more antiques are nestled in every nook and cranny in his house. He was a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church. He served on the School Board; he also served as Financial Secretary, Trustee, an Elder, and President of the Congregation. He also sang for barbershop quartets and the choir and praise team. His voice spanned all ranges as he sang for all occasions: baptisms, confirmations, weddings, anniversaries, and funerals. He was best known for his rendition of the Lord’s Prayer. He could play any instrument he picked up and put together any tool or machinery he took apart. He played the piano, harmonica, violin, saxophone, accordion, and, for a laugh, the recorder. He was voted Outstanding Professional Man on November 7th, 1985, by the Little River-San Gabriel Soil & Water Conservation District. He was a musician, mechanic, collector, story-teller, and family man. While his home place stayed the same, Ray ventured all around the world, including China, Poland, and Germany, and numerous states to cheer on his kids and grandkids. We praise God that he no longer has to imagine singing joyful praises in heaven.He was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel and Hanna Dunk Mickan, and his brother, Kenneth Mickan.He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Ethel Kieschnick Mickan, his sisters, Janice Moerbe, and Kathy MacDonald and her husband Granger, and his sister-in-law Chrystal Mickan. His legacy lives on in his family: his oldest daughter Pam Hughes and her husband Mike, his granddaughter Brecklyn Phillips and her husband Cameron, and his great-granddaughters Ava and Anne; his daughter Cindy Belk and her husband George, his granddaughter Lauren Hodgkins and her husband Brian, his great-grandchildren Harrison and Hazel, and his granddaughter Tiffany Belk and her fiancé Deaven Wilson; his son Tim Mickan and his wife Jenifer, his grandson Branden Mickan and his wife Kathlyn, and his granddaughter Amanda; his son Danny Mickan and his wife Penny, his grandchildren, Morgan, Maddie, and Murphy as well as numerous other relatives and friends.A Visitation will take place at The Gabriels Funeral Chapel in Georgetown, Texas, on Friday, November 23rd from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held at Zion Lutheran Church in Walburg, Texas, on Saturday, November 24th at 10 a.m.Memorials may be given in loving memory to: Zion Lutheran Church Music Fund, 6101 FM 1105, Georgetown, TX 78626 or the Weir V.F.D. 450 FM 1105, Georgetown, TX 78626