SEYMOUR
Kenneth Lee Wray, age 87, of Seymour, passed away on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Mr. Wray was a member of the Houston Christian Church for many years, and he recently was attending Seymour Christian Church with his family.
Born on October 24, 1936, in Jackson County, Kenneth was the son of Wayne and Pauline (Axsom) Wray, both of whom preceded him in death. Kenneth was a child of the depression era. While growing up, he learned the importance of being self-sufficient and providing for a family. At age 7, he made his first sale by selling a chicken to a peddler. This started his love of selling.
On June 1, 1956, at St. Paul Christian Church, he married his high school sweetheart, Mona Mae Jones, and she preceded him in death on July 28, 2021. Prior to his marriage, he earned a full scholarship to Indiana State University, but declined receipt of the scholarship, as he chose to marry his high school sweetheart. Kenneth worked many jobs before and after his marriage. After his marriage, he accepted a job opportunity at Cummins Engine Co. He began his career at Cummins in the shipping and receiving department, and he worked his way up to being supervisor over research and engineering in the bus division. He made it known that this was the “best decision he ever made” – turning down the scholarship to be a teacher. Kenneth was employed at Cummins Engine Co. for more than 30 years before retiring.
Mr. Wray loved spending time with his family. He enjoyed trapping, scrapping, selling items on ebay, and harvesting nuts. He also enjoyed treasure hunting, and he became the founder of Hoosier Hills Treasurer Hunter’s Club. Kenneth was an avid I.U. basketball fan and Cincinnati Reds fan.
Survivors include one son, Lawrence (Terrie) Wray of Seymour; three daughters: Angela (Ron) Angel of Seymour, Carol (Tim) Fox of Elizabethtown, and Linda Gotkin of Indianapolis; one sister, Judy (Jerry) Rollins; nine grandchildren: Dustin (Mary) Wray, Kristen (Wes) Mallett, Ryne (Katie) Angel, Nathan Dutcher, Kenneth Lodestein, Andrea (Steve) Gombos, Carley (John) Weddle, George Lodestein, and Jonah Gotkin; four great-grandchildren: Lucy Wray, Teddy Angel, Walker Weddle, and Lizzie Angel; and several nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, Kenneth was also preceded in death by one son, Dennis Wray; a daughter at birth; and three grandsons: Derek Lodestein, Patrick Wayne Wray, and Nicholas Allen Wray.
Funeral services for Kenneth Lee Wray will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 12, 2024, at Spurgeon Funeral Home, Inc., Brownstown, with Pastor Steven Bruce officiating. Friends may call from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at Spurgeon Funeral Home, Inc., and from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 12, 2024, at the funeral home.
Interment will be at Liberty Cemetery, Norman.
Memorials may be given to Plant a Tree Foundation or Schneck Medical Center Hospice.
All arrangements have been entrusted to the caring staff of Spurgeon Funeral Home, Inc.
Online memorials and condolences may be given at www.spurgeonfh.com.