Obituary of Robert Ray

Robert William Ray February 20, 1926 - February 4, 2010 Robert William Ray was born on February 20, 1926 in Lorain, Ohio. He was the only child born from the union of the late William Ray and the late Carrie (Aselstyne) Ray. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corp on April 29, 1944 in Detroit. He obtained the rank of Corporal and served as a Scout Sniper. He received an honorable discharge on August 8, 1946. Robert married the love of his life the former Betty Schmidt on April 8, 1950 at Trinity Lutheran Church. She passed away on February 9, 1999. Robert learned his trade of tool and die, hands on, while employed by Monroe Tool. He worked for several other machine shops before going on his own opening Ray Tool Manufacturing Corporation. Robert loved every aspect of the tool and die industry including detail work, building of special machines, and tools for various customers including those in the glass and automobile industries. He operated Ray Tool for more than twenty-eight years before retiring. Robert was very proud of his service in the Marine Corp and was very active in local veteran's organizations. He was a member of the Monroe Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1138. He was a lifetime member of Marine Corps Association, and the Second Marine Division Association. Robert was also an avid outdoorsman enjoying boating and especially fishing. He was a former member of the Detroit Beach Boat Club and the Monroe Boat Club. Robert William Ray age 83 of Monroe passed away at Tendercare of Monroe on Thursday, February 4, 2010 at 6:00am. He had been under the care of Mercy Memorial Hospice of Monroe. In addition to his parents and his wife, Robert's passing was preceded by a daughter: Patricia Ray. He leaves to cherish his memory a daughter: Barbara (Dale) Stemen of New Boston, and a step grandson: Dale Stemen Jr. of Auburn Hills. Friends may gather from 1:00pm until 8:00pm, Monday, February 8, 2010 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185 where A Celebration of His Life will take place at 11:00am, Tuesday. Procession will follow to Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle for burial. Graveside services will be under the Auspices of Monroe VFW Post 1138. Memorial donations for those who desire may be made to Mercy Memorial Hospice or to Monroe County Humane Society. Online word of inspiration and comfort can be made by visiting www.merklefuneralservice.com and then s