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Past Faithful Navigator Franklin Joseph Cray, 85, of Lebanon, died Monday September 18, 2006, at the Oaks in Lebanon.
He was born Jan. 27, 1921 in Sweet Home, Oregon the son of Elliott and Leonie (Lyonis) Cray. He moved to Lebanon in 1926 and attended Stoltz Hill Grade School and graduated from Lebanon High School in 1939.
Frank was a veteran of WWII, joining the National Guard in 1938 and was inducted into active duty Sept. 16, 1940 serving with the 116th Medical Battalion of the 41st Division. He served in Australia, New Guinea and returned to the States in 1944 and was reaasigned to Tulelake, CA Japanese interment camp and was discharged with the rank of Staff Sergeant in August of 1945. Frank joined the Oregon National Guard Reserve in the early 1950's and served 20 years.
Frank married Myrtle Esdaile on Oct. 20, 1945 and they had four children together. They later divorced, and Myrtle passed away in 1995. Frank worked for two years at Murphy's Dairy and then for 13 years at Cascade Plywood of Lebanon. He went to work at Wah Chang of Albany in 1960 and worked there until his retirement in 1986.
Frank marrried Pearl Dawson in 1971. They enjoyed there time together, traveling throughout the United States and Europe visiting friends and relatives. She preceded him in death in 2003.
Frank was a member of St. Edward's Catholic Church and Charter Member and Past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council and Faithful Navigator of the 4th degree of Pope John XXII Assembly. In 1946, Frank ,joined the American Legion,Santiam Post #51 and VFW Post #3572 and served as Commander in 1962-63. For many years, as member of the American Legion Drill Team and Color Guard, he participated in most of the Veteran and Memorial Day parades and ceremonies throughout the Willamette Valley. In November 1986 he was selected as Linn County's Veteran Of The Year. Frank volunteered wherever needed, at church and in the community. He enjoyed visiting with his family and many friends. Frank had a real passion for gardening, and grew lots of colorful plants, flowers and vegetables at his home. He was a very good man and will be missed by all who knew him.
He leaves behind daughter Susan Thayer, Selma, Oregon, sons, Michael Cray, Gresham, Oregon, Jack Cray, Albany, Oregon, and Ted Cray, Boise Idaho.
Also surviving are his sisters, Lucille Montgomery, Arock, Oregon, Marie O'Leary, Paisley, Oregon, Betty Young, Lebanon, Oregon and brothers Mike Cray, Lebanon, Oregon, George Cray, Hines, Oregon, and John Cray, Burns, Oregon. There are seven grandchildren, one great-grand child and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sisters Rose Sedivy and Ruth Cliff.
Viewing will be from 4 - 7:00 P.M., Thursday at Huston-Jost Funeral Home with Recitation of the Rosary following at 7:00 P.M. also at the funeral home.
Funeral Mass will begin at 2:00 P.M., Friday, at St. Edward's Catholic Church. Burial with Military Honors will follow at the Lebanon I.O.O.F. Cemetery.
Contributions in his memory may be made to St. Edward's Catholic Church Scholarship Fund and sent in care of Huston-Jost Funeral Home, 86 W. Grant St., Lebanon, Oregon 97355.
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