Obit: Dray, Melvin J. (1925 - 2011)

Contact: Robert Lipprandt
Email: bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Clements, Colby, Dray, Jones, Rasmusson

----Source: The Tribune - Phonograph (Abbotsford, Clark Co., Wisconsin) Wednesday, January 20, 2011, page 17

Dray, Melvin J. (April 24, 1925 - January 20, 2011)

Melvin J. Dray, age 85, died Thursday, January 20, at Deer View Meadows Assisted Living, Medford, where he had resided for the past day under the care of Hope Hospice. 

Melvin was born April 24, 1925, in Medford to John Henry and Selma (Rasmusson) Dray.

He graduated from Medford High School.

On November 3, 1951, he married Joyce I. Colby in Abbotsford. She preceded him in death September 16, 2006. 

Melvin served in the US Navy and was a veteran of WWII. After the war, he returned to Medford and worked at Hurd Millwork for 44 years as a saw filer.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, garage sales, wood carving and building wooden kayaks. 

He is survived by a daughter, Lynn (Gordon) Jones, Medford; a son, James (Irene) Dray, Medford; 5 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; and a brother, Leslie (Loretta) Dray, Medford. 

He was preceded in death by a brother, Dale Dray; and his parents. 

Memorial services will January 26 at Hemer Funeral Home, Medford, with military rites performed by the Medford Military Honors Team. The Rev. David Clements will officiate.

Interment of his cremated remains will take place at the Abbotsford Public Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 26.

The family requests memorials be given to Hope Hospice of Medford and Rib Lake.