Vigen Memorial Home obituary - Jack L. Ray, 79, Keokuk

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Jack Lee Ray, 79, of Keokuk, died Saturday, May 29, 2021 at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL.

     He was born on December 22, 1941 in Ottumwa, IA the son of Eugene Francis and Ruth Ethel Brown Ray.  He married Terry French in 1999 in Davenport, IA. She survives.

     He is also survived by three sons, Ralph “Pete” Ray of Fairfield, IA, Jeremiah Ray of Richland, IA and Robert Rosenow of Keokuk, one daughter, Amanda Gommels of Steele, KY, four grandchildren, Pamela and Dale Gommels and Greenlee and Gabriel Ray.  He is also survived by one sister, Barbara Harden of Bennett, IA and many nieces and nephews.

     He was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Wayne Wilcox, two grandchildren, Julia and Benjamin Gommels, two sisters and two brothers.

Jack was a veteran of the United States Army and proudly served his country in the Vietnam War.

     He had been employed in road construction for McAninch Corporation before his retirement.

     Jack loved working on small motors and going fishing every chance he had.  He was an avid gardener and loved growing tomatoes. His motto was “the bigger the better” when it came to tomatoes.

    A Gathering of Remembrance will be held from 2-4 p.m. Wednesday at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk with the family meeting with friends at that time. Masks are required for those who have not been vaccinated.

     Burial with military rites will be in the Elm Grove Cemetery in Washington, IA.

    The Vigen Memorial Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

     Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com

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