Ray Howser

Mr. Ray Howser, 94, of Nibley, Utah passed away peacefully at his home on January 24, 2026. Born on May 01, 1931 in Port Angeles WA to Jack and Aila Howser. He was raised in Port Townsend WA till after WWII when his family moved to Los Angeles where he attended high school and he developed an interest in ghost towns and antique arms. He joined the Army during the Korean War where he served ably as an ordnance man.

Discharged from the army, he entered the occupation of his dreams. While still in the service his friend and now business partner, Bob Ellithorpe opened the gun store of their aspirations. The Pony Express Sports Shop in Encino, CA.. Over it’s 50 years of existence, the store evolved from a general sporting goods store to a specialty shop featuring the finest in modern firearms brands, a large used gun selection, hunting gear, antique arms, collectibles and western art along with a pro archery shop. The store was to become widely known. Due to the proximity to Hollywood, Tinseltown actors and musicians were regular customers there. Many of his customers became friends through the years, he was widely admired for his ability to wheel and deal the public out of their heirlooms.

In the mid-1950’s he attended El Camino College to attend business classes. He then met and married Yvonne Duncan, who was to provide him with two sons, Douglas John and Dale Ray. By 1958 they had moved into the family home in Granada Hills, CA.. But sadly she was killed in a auto accident some years later. In the 1960’s Ray met and married Maxine Bryan and adopted her daughter Sheri De as his own. Maxine proved to be his soul mate and they had many adventures together, ghost towning, antique shows, gun buying trips, etc.

Ray had become a member of the Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he embraced the doctrine and did his best to raise his family. He opened his home to lodge missionaries, many remaining friends. When he was called by the Church to lead young men groups he was a popular leader and was well regarded by his charges. All well grown to men now, it’s not hard to hear them bring up stories of the fun they had with Ray.

In 1984 he had sold his share of the store to his current partner, Joe, Bob Ellithorpe’s son. The store then moved to Sepulveda, CA., he continued working with Joe for as long as it seemed decent retiring after 50 years.

A new adventure was to begin with a move to Nibley, Utah. He had been doing Gatling gun and cannon demonstrations at the Festival of the West program in Logan, Utah. Meeting new friends and having fun he was lured into moving up there. With a beautiful home built in Nibley, he and Maxine started life in Utah. At times his home would be blessed with grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Retired life brought new friends, hunting and fishing trips, gun shows, vacations to his ghost town house in Nevada, antique shows, etc..

Ray is proceeded in death by his brother Dougie (leukemia age 6), wives Yvonne and Maxine, and daughter Sheri De. He is survived by his sons Doug and Dale, grand-daughters Stacie and Hollie, grand-sons Kyle and Nick, great-granddaughters Serena and Trinity and great grandson Royce.

Ray has left a life well lived, rich in memories for those left behind.

Loved and admired by many, his vibrant company will be sorely missed.

Funeral services will held on Monday, February 9th at 1:00 PM at the chapel at Allen-Hall Mortuary, 34 E Center in Logan. A viewing will be held prior from 11:30 AM -12:30 PM. Interment will be the following day at 1:00 PM in the Vine Bluff Cemetery, 1250 N 400 E, in Nephi, where military honors will be performed.

Funeral service can be viewed live by clicking this link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82782054581