Ray B. Traynor's Obituary
Big Rapids Ray B. Traynor, 76, of Norwich Township, passed away Tuesday, August 19, 2008, at Mecosta County Medical Center. He was born January 28, 1932, in Brohman, the son of Evan and Iva (Hiller) Traynor, and lived in Newaygo County his entire life. During the Korean Conflict, Ray served in the United States Air Force, and flew 24 combat missions as a Rear Tail-Gunner. Following his discharge, he returned to Norwich Township, where he owned and operated his farm for many years. For 30 years, he also worked at Bendict Manufacturing until retiring in 1994. Ray served in various positions on the Norwich Township Board of Trustees. He also attended the Woodville Community Church for many years. On October 21, 1978 he married Shirley Good, who survives. Also surviving are 1 son, Gordon of Rodney; 2 daughters, Angela (Elery) Barnes of White Cloud, and Candice (Richard) Ladd of Big Rapids; 10 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; 1 brother Martin (Donna) of Big Rapids; 2 sisters Ellen Shroyer and Lula Midge Bechtel of Big Rapids; sister-in-law Betty Traynor of Big Rapids; and many nieces and nephews. Ray was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Charles and his wife Amy, and Leon, a sister Anna Woolard, and a niece Sylvia Becker. Funeral services will be 3:00 p.m., Friday, August 22, 2008, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, with Foster Brummel officiating. Burial will be in the Hiller Cemetery in Brohman. Rays family will greet friends at the funeral home after 1:00 p.m. on Friday.
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