Francis “Frank” L. Ray, Sr., 77, of Milton-Freewater, Ore., formerly of Chesterton, passed away March 2, 2008 at his home. He was 77.

He was born Sept. 4, 1930 in Porter, the son of Joseph and Annastasia Tabor Ray, both of whom preceded him in death.

On Nov. 13, 1953 in Chesterton, he married Joanne Blakley, who survives.

He is also survived by three daughters, Debbie (Bill) Burgess, Laura Ray of Milton-Freewater and Christine Mecca of Chesterton; a son, Frank (Niki) Ray Jr., of Milton-Freewater; grandson Bryan Mecca of Chesterton; two sisters, Mary Kamaski of Porter and Ann (Donald) Novak of Chesterton; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

He was also preceded in death by a daughter, Denise Ray, two sisters and three brothers and son-in-law Daniel Mecca.

Frank attended Chesterton High School where he played basketball and ran track. He graduated in 1948. He enlisted in the United States Navy and served during the Korean Conflict. He received his honorable discharge in 1952. He worked as a Police Officer in Porter and also worked as a slab hauler at Bethlehem Steel, where he retired.

He was a member of the American Legion Post #170 in Chesterton for 45 years. He and his wife Joanne were the first couple to serve as Commander and President of the Auxiliary for the American Legion. They moved to Oregon in 2001. He attended St. Francis Catholic Church in Milton Freewater. Frank and Joanne enjoyed fishing in Wis. and Minn. for over 20 years.

A memorial mass, will be at 10 a.m. Monday, March 10 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Chesterton. Fr. Lawrence Heeg will officiate and Fr. Jerry Schweitzer will con-celebrate the mass.

Memorial contributions in his name can be made to the American Lung Association.

Local arrangements were handled by White-Love Funeral Home, 525 S. 2nd St., Chesterton, 926-1309.

Posted 3/7/2008