Robert “Hap” F. Ray, 85

Robert “Hap” F. Ray, 85, was reclaimed by the hands of God, Feb. 16, 2010.

Robert “Hap” Francis Ray was born March 5, 1924. Bob was born in Stahl, Mo., to Roy and Minnie May Ray. He was the fourth of five children. Bob, his parents and siblings lived a wholesome family life on a farm in Green Castle, Mo., where Bob graduated from high school. Bob was proud of his farm heritage.

After completing high school, Bob secured employment at Fisher Controls in Marshalltown, Iowa before joining the army and serving in World War II and the “Invasion of Normandy.” He returned to Fisher Control after the war, where he worked a total of 41 years. Upon returning to Marshalltown following the war; he soon met Edna Elizabeth Davis, daughter of Elsie and Ernest Davis. They were blessed in marriage on June 14, 1946. To this union, five sons were born, Gary, Terry, Danny, Randy and Doug. Bob was an active member of his community. He and other neighborhood fathers organized and started the Little League program in Marshalltown in 1963. He was fondly known as “Hap” to his numerous friends.

Bob was known as an avid sports fan, and was particularly enthusiastic about baseball and the St. Louis Cardinals. He was a natural musician and enjoyed participating in small country bands throughout his life. During the summer months, and winter months spent in Arizona he frequently enjoyed rounds of golf with buddies and his five sons. Bob was first and foremost a family man. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Throughout the years, he always attended his son’s and grandchildren’s sporting events. He was an advocate of education and put a lot of emphasis on educating his sons. Bob will forever be remembered for his happy nature, (thus “Hap”) his sense of humor, his warm hardy laugh, his love of music – especially the Johnny Cash songs, and his loyal viewing of the Cardinal baseball games, good season or bad. He had some signature quips that many will never forget – “I never turn anything down but my shirt collar.”, “Good enough for the girls I go with.”, “Let me think about that, and I’ll get back to you.”

Bob was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Roy and Minnie May, two bothers, Harry and Dean and a sister, Rita. 

He is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Edna, five sons, nine grandchildren, one great-grandson, and four step-grandchildren: son Gary and wife Christine, grandson Ryan, son Terry and wife Barb, grandson David and wife Mary and great grandson Brady, son Dan and wife Sheryl, granddaughters Amanda, Melissa, and Nicole, son Randy and former wife Jane, grandsons Ben and Blake, son Doug and wife Denise Ann, granddaughter Robyn, grandson Jeff, step grandchildren Tiffany, Trisha, Tia and Tyler, brother Billy D. and sister-in-law Betty also sister to Edna.

Celebration of life services were held Feb. 22 at Pursel-Davis Funeral Home in Marshalltown. Interment with Military Honors by the Harry C. Harter Post #839 will be held at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.vogelfuneralhomes.com.

We will miss him, but he will remain forever in our hearts and thoughts!!!

*Edna and her loving sons, Gary, Terry, Dan, Randy and Doug*