Ray John Kehr

Ray John Kehr, 94, of Grayling passed away on Nov.5, 2011. Ray was born on July 7, 1917 in Gilford, Michigan to Fred & Irene (Towns) Kehr. Ray spent his childhood in Saginaw, Michigan. He married Violet (Turner) on July 7, 1940. He enlisted in the Navy in 1942. He served in the Sea Bees Unit, Battalion 141. He served 3 years in the South Pacific Islands. Ray was a community person, always ready to help others. In 1932-35 he was a CCC boy. He served in Camp Nelson in Wisconsin, Camp Cooks in Cooks, Michigan and Camp Skokie in Illinois. He was a member of the CCC Chapter 129 of Grayling, a Rotary member, a life member of American Legion Post 106 of Grayling and a life member of VFW Post 3736 of Grayling. He managed the Officers Club of Camp Grayling for 18 years. He received the State of Michigan Legion of Merit Medal for distinguished service to the state. He owned and operated Oakland Asphalt Paving company in Northville, MI. for 10 years. As a young man he traveled the world for 10 years as a field engineer for Hopkins Volcanic Specialties of Alliance, OH. He moved his family to Grayling in 1969. Ray was a gardener and enjoyed "playing in the dirt." He always planted extras for the family and friends. Ray was proud to have received the distinct honor of Veteran of the Year for 2011/2012 from the American Legion Auxiliary Post 106. Ray and Violet raised 7 children; Ray of Colorado Springs, CO.; Tonnya (Anna) of Brighton, MI.; Fred (Debbie) of Taylor, MI.; Pamela Jerome of Grayling; James (Teena) of Grayling; Carl (Connie) of Nebraska; Louis (Terri) of Grayling. Ray and Violet have several grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren. Other family members that survive: Evan & Lynette Turner of Apple Valley, CA; Emillia Miller of Grayling; Bruce Jerome of Novi, MI. Ray was preceded in death by his parents Fred and Irene Kehr; Sisters: Marjorie Lissler and Lucille Temple; Brothers: Louis and Fredrick Kehr. There will be a Memorial Service and Military Honors held on Wednesday Nov. 16, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. with Brandon Rogers officiating. There will be a private graveside service at Buena Vista Cemetery in Saginaw, Michigan to bury the cremated remains of Ray at a later date. Condolences may be sent to www.sorensonlockwood.com Arrangements entrusted to Sorenson-Lockwood Funeral Home. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ray John Kehr, please visit our flower store.