Michael Lynn ‘Skeet’ Raybon
Michael Lynn “Skeet” Raybon of Breckenridge, Texas, was led gently to his eternal home in Heaven by his LORD and Savior Jesus Christ on August 7, 2026. He was born August 15, 1948, in Monticello, Arkansas, to Fay and Laverne Raybon, the fourth of five boys.
He grew up in Eunice, New Mexico, and graduated from Eunice High School in 1966 and was a member of the state championship Cardinal football team along with two of his brothers in 1965. He began working at a young age — shining shoes in a barber shop, sacking groceries at Leslie’s Market, and working at the Gulf and Shell stations in Eunice. In January 1967 he married the love of his life, Deena Helms, and together they began the adventure of life. His next job took them to Lamesa, Texas, where he worked in an oilfield pump shop.
In 1971 they moved to Hobbs, New Mexico, where he went to work for Warren Petroleum. He then began his career with Tretolite in oilfield chemical sales, which became his lifelong passion. During that career he invented and patented an Automatic Chemical Treating unit he called the ACT Unit — though throughout the oilfield it became known simply as “The Skeeter Treater.” He worked for several companies selling oilfield chemicals before becoming an oilfield chemical program consultant, work he continued until his health required him to retire. He loved helping people and said many times that he still dreamed about working and problem solving.
Skeet loved spending time with family and telling stories of memories from his past. He was quite the storyteller — sometimes even embellishing a story a bit. He loved his children, Kevin and Ami, with all his heart, and felt truly blessed by his five grandsons, three granddaughters, and his great-grandson.
He was a man of strong faith who loved going to church and fellowshipping with friends. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Breckenridge, Texas, where he cherished his friends in the Cornerstone Class, and he especially enjoyed the Tuesday neighborhood Bible study that met in a neighbor’s shop. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior as a teenager at a revival at Northside Baptist Church in Hobbs, New Mexico, and was baptized by Rev. G.A. Magee at First Baptist Church in Eunice, New Mexico.
He loved and admired each of his neighbors at the lake and always said, “We have the very best neighbors.” They were like family to him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Fay and Laverne Raybon; his brothers Don W. Green and wife Carolyn, and Frank Raybon; and his niece Lori Green.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Deena Helms Raybon; their son, Kevin Raybon and wife Jules of Plano, Texas; their daughter, Ami Raybon Hicks and husband Jason of Eastland, Texas; five grandsons: Daniel Raybon of Dallas, Erik Raybon of Houston, JaColby Hicks of Eastland, Christopher Hicks and wife Coral of Cisco, and Andrew Hicks of Midland; three granddaughters: Kristin Raybon of Dallas, Anndria Raybon of Plano, and Annaliss Hicks of Eastland; and his great-grandson, Colesen Hicks of Cisco. Also surviving are his brothers Larry Green and wife Joyce of San Angelo, Texas, and Kenneth Raybon and wife Lynda of Farmington, New Mexico; his brother-in-law, Rev. Buddy Helms and wife Carla of San Angelo, Texas; and his sister-in-law, Janet Davis and husband Donnie of Midland, Texas.
He also leaves many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly: Dianne Martin and husband Richard of Odessa, Texas; Debbie Stokes and husband Brian of Odessa, Texas; Donna Jane Volz and husband Hans of Las Cruces, New Mexico; Susan Willis and husband Brian of South Carolina; Brad Raybon and wife Kari of Midland, Texas; Brian Raybon and wife Yvonne of League City, Texas; Clay Raybon and fiancé Brooke of Farmington, New Mexico; Cari Fontaine of Farmington, New Mexico; Cole Raybon and wife Krystal of Farmington, New Mexico; Andrew Helms and wife Stephanie of Sterling City, Texas; Patricia Magers and husband Brian of Grape Creek, Texas; and Barron Beacham of San Angelo, Texas — as well as dear family friend Becky Bulin of Graham, Texas.
Honoring his wishes, cremation has taken place under the direction of Morehart Mortuary. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, August 21, 2026, at First Baptist Church in Breckenridge, Texas, with long-time friend Gary Hyer officiating.
The family warmly invites you to share your memories, stories, and photos of Skeet at https://memorial.eklektiv.org/share/skeet-raybon — they will treasure every one.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to:
- Hendrick Hospice of Abilene
- Hope Lodge of Dallas
- First Baptist Church of Breckenridge
