Keith Ray, 88

Keith L. Ray, age 88, of Mendon, died Wednesday July 6, 2011 at his home following a long illness. He was born in Mendon on May 20, 1923 the son of the late Leo B. and Beulah Mae (Hallam) Ray and was a lifetime resident of Mendon. He graduated from Mendon High School with the class of 1941 and attended Perdue University. Keith served in the Army Air Corps and took his officer’s training at Yale before joining the 7th Bombing Group and the 492nd Bomb Squad with time spent in India and Africa.

Following the war Keith engaged in general farming while working for Garman Electric. He later worked as an engineer for Research Molding in Mendon, Summitt Polymers in Vicksburg, and the Upjohn Company in Kalamazoo. Keith served as a Mendon School Board member and was a member of the former VFW Post #4898 of Mendon. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, mushrooming, and arrowhead hunting.

Keith was married to Hazel Taylor in Sturgis on Oct. 27, 1946. She survives along with 6 children, Phil Ray of Kalamazoo, Mary Lou (Brent) Leighton of Three Rivers, Jerry (Bobbie) Ray, Rob (Cindy) Ray, and David (Charlotte) Ray all of Mendon, and Patti Colasanti of Richland; 15 grandchildren; and 5 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brother, Donald Ray.

Cremation has been conducted. A memorial service will take place early Saturday morning July 9, 2011 at 7:30 a.m. in the West Mendon United Methodist Church with Rev. Ward Pierce officiating. A light brunch will follow in the social room of the church. The family suggests that memorials be directed to the Mendon Sports Boosters, Homes for the Troops, The Wounded Warrior Project, or a charity of one’s choice. An online register is available and condolences may be left for the family at www.eickhofffuneralhome.com