Donald Ray

Donald D. Ray, 83, of Eldridge, Iowa passed away Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at The Ivy, Davenport.

A celebration of Don’s life will be held from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 25th at Chambers Funeral Home, Eldridge.  Memorials may be directed to ASPCA.

Don was born on May 9, 1939 in Davenport, Iowa, the son of Batie and Violet (Wilkes) Ray.  He began working at Ralston Purina in 1957 and in 1978 completed his apprenticeship as an industrial electrician.  He retired from Ralston Purina in 2001 after 43 years of service.  In 1957 he married Sandra Garey.  He later married Lotracia “Jane’ Whitcomb Payton in 1992.  Don enjoyed the outdoors, whether he was boating and fishing on the river, camping, or taking fishing trips to Canada.  In retirement, he enjoyed trying his luck in Las Vegas and at the local casino.

Those left to honor his memory are his children, Don (Becky) Ray Jr. of Davenport, Laura Ray of Davenport, and Lisa Broderick of Eldridge; six grandchildren, Jessi (Kurt) Felderman, Samantha Martin, Brittney (Michael) Miller, Cassy (Ed) Garza, Nicole, and Mason; several great-grandchildren; and his sister, Bonnie (Jerry) Thompson of Rock Island, Illinois.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Mickeal; and his beloved canine, Georgie.