Ellis Ray Dupree

Ellis “Ray” Dupree, age 90, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, January 16, 2025.

He was born the son of Albert and Alma Beatrice (Coker) Dupree on December 21, 1934, in Sturgis, Kentucky. To escape a life in the Kentucky coal mines, Ray entered into the United States Air Force at the age of 17. His military career took him to many military stations across the United States as well as stops throughout the world. He excelled in his military career and after 25 years of service, Ray retired as a Technical Sergeant (TSgt) and was honorably discharged from Forbes Air Force Base.

On April 4, 1979, Ray married his beloved wife, Billie K. Myrick in Miami, OK. He continued his working career, first with ANR (Graves Truck Line) for 16 years followed by 10 years with Yellow Freight. His greatest joy was working on and expanding his cattle operation, which he & Billie named E-Bar-D Ranch. They worked hard building up the ranch and maintaining a custom hay baling operation that continued up to his death. Although time spent away from the farm was limited, Ray enjoyed travelling with his wife, Billie and spending time back at his Kentucky roots in Sturgis, KY. There he would attend his high school reunions as well as visit and care for his loving mother, Alma, whom he adored.

Ray’s leisure time was spent outdoors, hunting, fishing and morel mushroom hunting. He was a hard worker his entire life, always providing for his family and showing a deep appreciation for the land and animals he tended to.

Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Billie K. Dupree of Topeka; his two daughters, Pam Hood and her husband Robin of Topeka, and Judy Funk and her husband Greg of Lawrence. Other survivors include two grandchildren, Melanie Monsees and her husband Jon, and Monica Funk and her husband Thomas Bachert; as well as one great-grandchild, Perry Gordon Monsees.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents; by his son, Ellis Ray Dupree II “Buddy;” two brothers, Harry and Bill Dupree; and one sister, Anna Smith.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 P.M., on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home.

Burial of cremains with United States Air Force funeral honors will be held at Prairie Home Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial contributions can be made in Ray's memory to the American Legion Post #400, 3029 US-24, Topeka, KS 66618, as he was a longtime member of the Post. Contributions can be mailed or left with the funeral home.

To share a memory or to leave condolences, please visit, www.brennanmathenafh.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603.