Ray Brainard

RAY BRAINARD

Marion

Ray O. Brainard, 91, of Marion, died Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2014, in his home. Memorial services: 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at The Church on Northland, First Baptist Church-Church of the Brethren in Cedar Rapids by Pastors Jerry Bertelson and Robert Nelson. The family will greet friends one hour before the service at the church on Dec. 6. Burial will take place at a later date. Arrangements by Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Marion.

Survivors include his wife, Darlene; his children, Paul (Brenda) Brainard of Grapevine, Texas, Douglas (Kathy) Brainard of Dunwoody, Ga., Carolyn (Bill) Schmarzo of Palo Alto, Calif., Nancy (Vince) Sumpter of Phoenix, Ariz., David (D.J.) Brainard of Kansas City, Mo., and Steven (Amy) Brainard of North Liberty; 11 grandchildren; and three siblings.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Dale, Lee, Keith, John and Gene; and sister, Janice Walby.

Ray was born Jan. 22, 1923, in Postville, Iowa, the son of George and Eva (Smith) Brainard. He graduated from Postville High School and entered the U.S. Navy, serving in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. Following his service to his country, Ray earned his teaching degree from Upper Iowa University. He married Darlene Butterfield on June 4, 1949, in Riceville, Iowa. Ray taught for 37 years, 27 of those at Vernon Middle School. Along with teaching at the middle school, Ray enjoyed coaching, umpiring and refereeing.

He was an avid fan of the Cubs, Iowa Hawkeyes, and the Marion Indians and enjoyed all sports. Ray was a sports enthusiast and took pride in remaining physically fit, riding a bike well into his 80s.

Memorials may be directed to the Church on Northland, First Baptist Church-Church of the Brethren in Cedar Rapids or to UnityPoint Hospice in Ray's memory.

Please share a memory of Ray at www.murdoch funeralhome.com under obituaries.