Marvin was born on April 28, 1924, in Dayton, Ohio. He was one of five children, the third son of Grover Thurman Ray and Melvina Mariah Dulaney Ray. Marvin was preceded in death by his wife, Loretta; his parents and two brothers, infant Thurman Leslie Ray and Earl Arthur Ray. Siblings that survive include one brother, Garvin Duane Ray of Spokane Valley, Washington and one sister, Bonnie Marie Ray of Belleview, Florida.
During his early teen years, the family moved from Dayton to a farm near Hollansburg, Ohio. Marvin helped his family on their farm near Hollansburg and graduated with the Class of 1942 from Hollansburg-Westmont High School. After graduation from high school, he enlisted in the army-air force to serve his country, studying as an aviation student from 1944-1945. While an aviation student at the Pampa, Texas air base, he began corresponding with a young woman from North Star. Upon his discharge from the Air Force, he married Loretta Grewe of North Star on June 12, 1946 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. The young couple took up residence on the farm on Rismiller Road in Wabash Township, reared four children, all of whom survive.
During his adult life, Marvin worked the farm, in addition to other full-time jobs and community activities. He retired from active farming in 1976, but continued to live on the farm where he and Loretta made their home. Marvin retired in 1986 from Fram Corp in Greenville after 20 years of service. During his more active retirement years he enjoyed tending his yard, fruit trees and small garden; restoring classic cars; and traveling with Loretta to visit family and friends. For more than 18 years during his retirement, he and Loretta enjoyed numerous trips to Pampa, Texas to work towards the establishment of the Freedom Museum USA and to participate in the annual gathering of the Pampa Army-Air Field Reunion Association.
Marvin was a baptized member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, North Star; a member of the American Legion Buckeye Post 174, North Star; and a member of the Pampa Army-Air Field Reunion Association.
He is survived by son and daughter-in-law, Mahlon and Monica Ray of Columbus, Ohio; daughter and son-in-law Maretta and Michael Kalinich of Corning, NY; daughter Rachael Henderson of Celina, Ohio and daughter and son-in-law Jana and Doug Reed of Jackson, Ohio. His legacy includes fourteen grandchildren, ranging in age from 11 years to 39 years, four great grandchildren, sister in law, Phyllis Grewe of Versailles, Ohio, and numerous nieces and nephews.
There will be a service held on Wednesday, March 31, 2010 at 10:30 AM at St Paul Lutheran Church, 13495 Greenville-St. Mary’s Road, Versailles, Ohio with Pastor Laura Shreffler officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Paul’s Cemetery, Versailles, Ohio. Family will receive friends on Tuesday, March 30, 2010 from 6-8 PM at the Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Bailey Zechar Funeral Home, Versailles, Ohio. There will be a Graveside Military service conducted by the North Star Honor Guard.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Building Fund of St. Paul Lutheran Church, North Star; State of the Heart Hospice, or Freedom Museum USA 600 N. Hobart St. Pampa, Texas 79065.