Obituary of Ray Lavern French

Ray Lavern French, 87 years, of Hartford, passed away on Thursday, January 18, 2018 at Hanson Hospice Center, while holding the Jack of Trump suit. He was born November 4, 1930 in Lawton, Michigan to the late Orel French and Lois (Middleton)Williams.

Ray graduated from Dowagiac High School and worked for many years as a security guard for Auto Specialty in Benton Harbor, MI, and the Thunderbird Resort in Lawrence MI.  He also worked as a Janitor for the Lake Michigan Catholic Schools. He served proudly in the United States Navy on the U.S.S. Wasp in the Korean War. Ray enjoyed reading, fishing with his brothers, playing cards at the area senior centers, and most of all he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Besides his parents, he is preceded in death by his step-father Edgar Williams, brother Merle French, and his aunt, Doris (Middleton) Carpenter.

He is survived by his lovely wife of 48 years Karen (Domke) French; two sons, Kenny J. French Sr. (Teresa) of Victoria, Texas, Tony P.  French (Sharleen) of Overton, Texas; two daughters, Lois (French) Triebenbach (Terry) of Big Sandy, Texas, Raquel (French) Goetzke (Paul) of Hartford; two brothers,  Jr. French (Thelma) of Mattawan, MI, and Clifford French (Marilyn) of Lawton; eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, with one on the way; along with many nieces, nephews, and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, January 26, 2018 at 12:00 Noon at Hartford United Methodist Church 425 E. Main St. Hartford, service will conclude with military honors. Burial will be held at a later date. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Senior Center of Hartford, American Cancer Society, or to a Veteran’s organization of your choice.