Ray "Buster" Bezner

Ray “Buster” Bezner, 75, of Gainesville passed away on Saturday, November 21, 2020. He was born on January 1, 1945 in Redmond, Oregon to Raymond William Bezner and Oleta Rosson. By the age of two, the family moved back to Gainesville, TX. His father died when Buster was 4 and Oleta married Freddy Schmitz, whom Buster loved as his father.

Buster graduated from Gainesville High School in 1963. On January 29, 1966 he married Marcy Neu and then graduated from Texas A&M University in 1967. After graduation, he went to work with his stepfather for Schmitz Coin Machine. In later years, he became a project manager and builder. He always said he was proudest of overseeing the designing and remodeling of his and Marcy’s home.

Buster never met a stranger, loved his mornings at the coffee shop, enjoyed the years he was able to farm, and was a jack-of-all trades. He gave much of his time to the community. He was a very dedicated member of St. Mary Catholic Church and avid supporter of St. Mary Catholic School, serving on the school board, parish council, and as a Grand Knight for the Knights of Columbus Council 1167. He also supported the city as a member of the city council, and Gainesville Planning and Zoning Committee. He loved traveling with his wife and close friends and his time with his grandchildren and great-grandson.

Buster is survived by his wife of 54 years, Marcy Bezner of Gainesville; daughter and son-in-law, Rae Ann and Jeff Gerken; and son, Robby Bezner. He is survived by five grandchildren: Sarah, Hannah, Mary, Madison, and Blake; and one great-grandson, Josiah. He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Mike and Marcia Schmitz; and numerous nephews and nieces. He is also survived by his aunt, Treba Dobkins of Fort Worth.

He was preceded in death by his parents and stepfather.

A rosary will be recited Wednesday, November 25, 2020 at 6:00PM at the Geo J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home. The family requests that guests wear masks at the rosary and mass. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, November 27, 2020 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Fr. John Pacheco officiating. A private family burial will follow on a later date. Both the rosary and the Funeral Mass will be livestreamed on the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Gainesville, TX Facebook page.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary Catholic School, 931 N. Weaver, Gainesville, TX, 76240. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the nurses, doctors, and staff at Muenster Memorial Hospital.