Donald Lee Gray, youngest son of Robert Lee Gray and the late Lena (VanGilder) Gray was born October 11, 1919 and departed this life January 8, 1957, at the age of 37 years 2 months and 27 days. Early in life he became a faithful member of the Prairie Hall Christian Church, where he was serving as a Deacon at the time of his death.

Donald graduated from the Richland County grade schools and from the Olney Township High School in 1938.

He was inducted into the United States Army on March 4, 1941 where he served nearly five years. He was a member of the 884^th Ordinance Heavy Maintenance Company.  While serving his country he was awarded the American Defense Service Ribbon, The Victory Medal, the American Theatre Ribbon, European-African Theatre Ribbon, three overseas service bars and one service stripe.

On October 25, 1941 he was united in marriage to Ruth Messenger and to this union was born 2 children, Larry Lee and Mary Jean who with his wife survive him. Also surviving is the father, Robert Gray and step mother, Selma (Lytle) Gray, two brothers, John Gray of Beckley, W.Va. and Jack Gray of R 1, Claremont and one sister, Mrs. Edith Reed of Cedar Falls.

Preceding him in death were his mother and a sister, Mrs. Mary Madden.

Since his discharge from service he has been engaged in a successful farming partnership with his brother, Jack. Much of their farming has been on the farm of their birthplace.

Donald’s cheerful personality will be missed greatly by his many friends for he always had a pleasant smile and jovial word for everyone he met. I cannot say—I will not say that he is dead—He is just away—with a cheery smile and a wave of the hand, He has wandered into a better land.

Interment will be in the Sumner Cemetery. The body will be taken from the Summers-Wilson Funeral Home to the family residence where it will remain until time for the services.

Olney Daily Mail, IL