May 15, 2008

Lester Junior Gray of Farmington passed away May 6, 2008 at Mineral Area Regional Medical Center at the age of 85 years. He was born March 4, 1923, at Ava, Mo., the son of the late Lester and Bessie (Brown) Gray. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Woodrow and Clarence Gray, and a sister, Mildred Nash. In 1944 Lester was inducted into the Army Air Force. He flew 32 combat missions as a staff sergeant in World War II. Before retirement, he was employed as a telephone engineer. In his spare time he enjoyed gardening and working on his cars. Mr. Gray was a devoted family man and faithful to his church and Promise Keepers. Survivors include his loving wife of 62 years, Virginia (Sargent) Gray; daughter, Kathy Walden (Jerry) of St Louis; two sons, Larry Gray (Anita) and Tim Gray (Kelley), all of Farmington; four grandchildren, Kevin (Tori), Stacey (Robert), Eric (Brittni) and Justin; nine great-grandchildren, Devonna, Jordan, Robert, Mya, Tycen, Brant, Jelena, Kyle and Keegan; a sister, DeAun Glammeyer of the state of Illinois; and Juanita Gray of Farmington. Nieces, nephews and host of other relatives and friends also survive. Funeral services were held Saturday, May 10, at 10 a.m., at Mineral Area College Theatre with the Rev. Milford Gibbs and the Rev. Alan Berry officiating. Burial with military honors was at Hillview Memorial Cemetery. Services were under the direction of Cozean Funeral Home, Farmington.