Harold Wray

Military Graveside services for Harold Mathew Wray, 93, Lawrence, KS, will be held at 9:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 21, 2012 at Memorial Park Cemetery in Lawrence. He died on Wednesday, November 14, 2012 at his home.

Harold was born on September 17, 1919 in Oskaloosa, KS the son of Floyd H. and Leah (Black) Wray.

He attended grades 1-4 in Fairview Rural a one room school; Oskaloosa schools from grades 5 – 11 and graduated from Lawrence High School in 1936.  He attended the University of Kansas from 1936 to 1941, graduating in 1941 with a degree in Business.

He served his country in the U.S. Army Air Corp during the WW II.  He served in Jefferson Barracks, MO, Atlantic City, NJ, Washington, DC, Greenboro, NC, Italy, and Trinidad BWI.  He was released from active duty in October 1945 as a 2nd Lieutenant.  He stayed in the Reserves for 27 years, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1973.

He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church since 1957, member of the Jayhawk Chapter MOAA, life member of the KU Alumni Association, member of Gold Medal club, Member of Lawrence Memorial Hospital Auxiliary where he volunteered for more than 10 years.  He was also a member of the National American Legion.

He began working as a Pay Master at the General Motors, Leeds Plant from 1945 – 1947.  He then co-owned the Chateau Drive-In in Lawrence with partner, Louis Kuhn from 1947 – 1952.  From 1952 – 1955 he also partnered with Louis Kuhn and owned International Harvester Dealership.  He then worked in the Computer Center for the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Kansas City, MO from 1957 – 1979 when he retired. 

He married Mary Frances Penisten on July 14, 1950 in Lawrence.  She preceded him in death December 17, 2007.
Survivors include one daughter, Barbara Jo Dickerson; two sons, Michael Wray, Mark Wray; four grandchildren, Leslie Dickerson, Shannon, Brian, and Chris Wray; and one sister, Frieda Culbertson.  He was also preceded in death by one sister, Emily; and two brothers, Paul and John Leland. 

The family will greet friends on Tuesday, November 20, 2012 from 6 – 8 p.m. at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence.

The family suggests memorials in his name to First Presbyterian Church and may be sent in care of the mortuary.
 

9 Condolences

  1. Bruce E. Vaughn on November 15, 2012 at 12:40 pm

    My thoughts and prayers are with the family.



  2. Sharon Walker on November 16, 2012 at 1:42 pm

    When I read of the loss of Mr. Wray my heart went out to his family. Please know that you have my deepest condolences. Draw close to God and he will sustain you. He is a fortress in times of distress. He will heal your broken heart. His promise of the resurrection is trust worthy. Cling to this hope. May it bring you peace and may your loving memories help to soothe your aching heart. Matthew 5:5; Ecclesiastes 1:4; Psalms 83:18; John 5:28. Loving thoughts are with you and your family.



  3. Rick Schwebel on November 17, 2012 at 6:56 am

    To family:
    My sincere condolences. There is no greater pain than the death of a loved one. Sometimes it seems almost more than a person can bear. Jehovah God helps us with this in His word. He promises us that He will put a stop to all sickness and death will be no more (REV 21;3.4) Jehovah also shows His love for us through the ransom sacrifice of His beloved son Jesus Christ. What a wonderful gift to be given ! Then the hope of seeing one’s loved ones again on this earth transformed in a paradise as it was Jehovah’s will when He created Adam & Eve . (Genesis 1:26,27; John 5: 28,29; Psalms 37:11,22,29). If you have any questions or comments, please contact me at: ricruiz@aol.com

    Sincerely.



  4. Bob in Grandview, Missouri on November 17, 2012 at 7:01 am

    I am grateful for the life of Mr. Wray. Thanks to his service and to the service of others in our armed forces, my family and I have been able to lead our lives in freedom and peace.



  5. Bill Moorhead on November 17, 2012 at 8:36 am

    Many blessings to you.
    Sorry for your loss.
    Bill Moorhead



  6. Irma Tesar on November 17, 2012 at 12:51 pm

    Harold will truely be missed at LMH. I am so blessed to have worked with him on Monday afternoons. He is resting now and is sitting right next to God. God bless you and the family.



  7. Don Blair Family on November 18, 2012 at 11:58 am

    From Alice in particular and Karen and Jeff as well, our deepest condolences and thoughts.



  8. Kathleen Gerber on November 20, 2012 at 2:01 pm

    I am so sorry for your loss of your father and grandfather. I know this is a hard time for you and your family, just please know my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Harold sounded like an incredible man and I know he will be dearly missed. My condolences are with you during this hard time. God Bless.



  9. Kay Kennedy on November 21, 2012 at 9:50 am

    To Harold Wray’s Family:
    Harold was a wonderful neighbor and a very considerate person. He will be missed by all who knew him. I know this came as a surprise for all of us. But, I’m sure he would have hoped for a quick departure (which he had). Kay Kennedy (one of his neighbors)



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