Robert J. Wray

Robert J. Wray, 89, of Goshen, died early Friday morning, April 8, 2011, at Greencroft Healthcare He was born August 7, 1921 in Bloomington to the late Leslie and Dorval (Lanan) Wray.  He married Jeston Ann "Jan" Poling in Bloomington in 1940.  She died December 12, 1988.  He then married Eloise (Toll) Stuckey on May 3, 1990 in Marion.  She survives. Also surviving are a daughter, Cathy (Daniel) Brown of Marion; two step-daughters, Susan (Mark) Colglazier of Goshen and Beth Ellen (Corbin Kent) King of Carmel; a step-son, David Stuckey of Noblesville; four grandchildren; 10 step-grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, John Wray; a sister, Betty Lantz; and an infant brother, Billy Wray. A Goshen resident for the past 11 years, Mr. Wray retired as assistant director of Central 9 Vocation School in Whiteland.  He served with the US Navy during WWII and the Korean War and was discharged as Lieutenant Commander.  He received his bachelor's degree from Ball State and his master's degree in education from Indiana University.  He helped set up and organize Distributive Education in Indiana.  He taught at several schools in Central Indiana, Fort Wayne, Marion and Mississinewa School Systems and in Florida.  In 1967 he was the first Indiana State Teacher of the Year.  He was a 32nd degree Mason.  He was a member of First United Methodist Church, Goshen and a past member of Westminster Presbyterian Church and Beagle Club, both in Marion, and a former member of the Goshen Kiwanis Club. Friends may call 11 to 12, noon, on Wednesday, April 13, at the funeral home where a 12, noon funeral service will be conducted.  Pastors Ed and Brenda Fritz of First United Methodist Church will officiate. Friends and family will meet at 11 a.m. Friday, April 15, 2011, at Rose Hill Cemetery, Bloomington for a graveside service. Memorial contributions may be made to Riley Hospital for Children or First United Methodist  Church Preschool, Goshen.