10 Jun Donald Ray

Donald E. Ray, 99, passed away November 27, 2019 in Mesa, Arizona.  Memorial services were held December 10, 2019. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday June 22, 2020, at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan.  Fellowship following services will be held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Bismarck.

Don was born in Crookston, Minnesota on August 17, 1920 to Edwin and Katie Ray.

He worked for Consolidated Aircraft prior to enlisting in the Army Air Force in 1942.  He was trained as an airplane mechanic and was stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska where he served as a crew chief on B-24’s.  He was honorably discharged in 1945.

In 1947 he married Beverly Bye in Grand Forks, ND.  They had three children and were married close to 60 years until Bev’s death in 2007.  Over the years, they lived in Crookston, MN, Bismarck, ND and spent their retirement years in Mesa, AZ.

Don’s career was in the automobile service industry.  He worked as the service manager for Fleck Motor Sales for 26 years, part owner of Fleck Toyota for 8 years and then worked part-time in car sales until his retirement.  He was a life-time member of the Elks and the American Legion.  In his spare time, he enjoyed golfing, working in his yard and watching sports on TV.

Don is survived by his children, Jerry (Jeanine) Ray, Phoenix, AZ; Nancy (Butch) Glass, Bismarck, ND; and Sharon (Durant) Schiermeister, Hazelton, ND; his grandson Joshua (Evonne) Ray and great grandsons Travis Bodhi, Kale, and Lukas, Tempe AZ; several nieces and nephews and his special friend and companion for the past 10 years, Doris Smestad.  Don was pre-deceased by his siblings, his wife Beverly, and his granddaughter Shaunda.

Memorials may be sent to the North Dakota Veteran’s Cemetery, 1825 46^th St, Mandan, ND 58554