Charles Ray

Charles Gordon Ray, 64, of Manhattan, succumbed to his battle with cancer in his home surrounded by family, Monday, August 12. Charles was born in Des Moines, Iowa on April 23, 1949 to the late Mary (Garlock) and Charles Norman Ray. Charles attended Riverton School in Baxter Springs from elementary through high school. He was Cub Scout during his school years and later became an Eagle Scout. After high school Charles attended Pitt State for two years. In 1969 Charles served in the United States Army and fought in the Vietnam War until 1972. Charles worked as Mechanical Engineer at The National Guard for 10 years. He thoroughly enjoyed working on and using computers. Charles was a member of the American Legion. On September 22, 1998, Charles married Doreen George, who survives him. Together they were members of the Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Manhattan. Charles and Doreen loved to spend time with family and especially their grandchildren. Including his wife, Doreen, Charles is survived by two sisters: Cheryl Hubbard of Greenville, Texas and Gayle Currie of Carmel, California. A brother Ronald Hargitt of Merritt, Texas. His children: Becky Butry and Wes Smith of Manhattan, Christina & Dontea Miller of Manhattan, J.D. and Bambi Butry of Kansas City, Missouri, Amber and Cory Wooldrige of Independence, Kansas. Also surviving are his grandchildren: Lizzy, Darian, Breeze, Amya, Jace, Sullivan, Alex, Lanie Jo, Nathaniel and a precious baby on the way. A Rosary is scheduled for 6:00pm, Thursday, August 15th at the Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home Chapel. Services will be held at Seven Dolors Catholic Church 10:00 am, Friday, August 16 with Father Joe Popelka officiating. The family has requested donations to go to the Veterans of Manhattan, Kansas or the Wounded Warrior Project 4889 Belfort Road, Suite 300 Jacksonville, Florida 32256 or American Cancer Society 1315 SW Arrowhead Road; #2 Topeka, Kansas 66601 and may be left in the care of the funeral home.