David Earl Bray, 77, of Natoma, Kansas, passed away of Covid complications on Friday, February 26, 2021, at the Hays Medical Center, surrounded by his wife and children.
Dave was born on May 04, 1943, in Kanopolis, Kansas, the son of William and Kathryn (Canaday) Bray. As a child, his family lived in Colorado and Wyoming where his father worked in the mines, before returning to Kanopolis. He served in the Navy. He married Marlene J. Pooley on August 12, 1966, in Alva, Oklahoma. From this union Dave and Marlene were blessed with 3 children Neal, Teresa and Carmen. Dave worked in the oilfield most of his life working as a roustabout, pulling unit operator and pumper. He loved going to races at the local dirt tracks. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his kids and grandkids.
He is survived by his wife Marlene of the home, son Neal (Julie), daughters Teresa Bray and Carmen George (Dustin) all of Natoma; sisters Barbara Ahlquist of Salina and Bonnie (Jack) Robison of Sylvan Grove. Grandkids Keshia (John) Williams, Chase (Dayanara) Laffery, Ryan Bray, Jensen Farrington, Erika George, Derek George, Jeremy Bray and Meadow Wickham. He was blessed with 7 great-grandkids. He leaves behind a host of extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Julia Long and Mary Markle and brother Billy Bray. Cremation has been selected by the family. An informal graveside service will be held at the Natoma Cemetery on Saturday, April 3, 2021 at 2:00 p.m.. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.