SALEM TOWNSHIP – Ray Merle Howard, 78, passed away on Nov. 30, 2017, at the Somerset Rehabilitation and Living Center in Bingham, following a long illness.
He was born on Oct. 17, 1939 in Mexico, the son of Daniel and Pearl (Merrill) Howard. Ray graduated from Kingfield High School in the class of 1958.
On Aug. 10, 1963, he married Maureen Collar in Milford, Conn. Ray worked many years doing carpentry, logging, and cutting firewood. He was a member of the V.I.P.S. (Visually Impaired Persons Sharing) and the Salem United Methodist Church. Ray enjoyed entertaining and making people laugh with his many jokes.
Ray is survived by; his wife of 54 years, Maureen Howard of Salem Township; his daughter, Kelly Morgan and husband Dean of Bingham; his grandson, Hunter Morgan of Bingham; his granddaughter, Mia Rae Jackson of Salem Township; his twin brother, Ralph Howard and wife Pat of Salem Township; his brothers, Frank Howard of Freeman Township, Norman Howard and wife Debbie, Charlie Howard and wife Jolene, Robert Howard and wife Sheila, all of Salem Township; his sisters, Nancy McMullen and husband Mahlon of Scarborough, Roberta Avery, Kathy Spencer and husband Reggie, all of Salem Township; his brother in-law, Charles Collar and wife Cindy of Bethel, Vt.; his sisters in-law, Sheree Cole of Taylors, SC and Chris King of Bethel, Vt.; and many, many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his daughter, Rae Lynn Jackson; his brothers, Dan Howard Jr. And Arthur Howard; his sister, Marilyn Frey, and his son in-law, Scott Jackson.
Donations may be made in Ray’s memory to the Somerset Rehab and Living Center, 43 Owen St., Bingham, ME 04920, to help with the music program.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring of 2018. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 488 Farmington Falls Rd., Farmington, ME 04938.
What great memories I have with Ray. Many long rides and talks while working Mt. Abram. He deserves this rest now, he always took his disability in stride and with great courage. He will be missed dearly. Our thoughts and prayers are with Maureen, Kelly and families. May God welcome him
Uncle Ray will be forever missed. I still remember the day I met him.
Maureen and family, So very sorry to hear of Ray’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
My condolences to the Howard family, Ray was quite a guy
Sorry for your loss. Sending prayers for all.
I had the privilege of taking care of Ray for the past year. I must say, we had our ups and downs. We are both strong personalities. One thing I took from Ray was his tenacity for living. He was quite a personality and full of life up until his passing. He asked me daily If I had seen the Eagle on my way to work. For that matter, he asked, did I see any critters on my way to work. He was quite a force at Somerset Rehab. and I can speak freely saying that he will be missed.
So sorry to hear of Ray’s passing he was such a fun guy prayers to the Howard family Lauraly and Beanie.
Ray was a wonderful man. I am so glad I had the opportunity to know him. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Ray was such a special person. When I think of him it always makes me smile. He had that effect on everyone he knew. May all his memories keep us all smiling in his memory. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
My condolences to the Howard family. As we all get older we continue to loose family members who were part of the original families who settled in Salem. Will be thinking of all of you during this difficult time.
Ray has touched so many lives with his humor, jokes, stories and his strength. He is one of a kind and will be missed. Hugs and prayers for you all.
Erica Rowe
Ray was a great guy, truly one of kind…I will hold the memories of our visits and times together close. He will be missed. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sorry to here of Ray’s passing. He was a good and funny fella. Will miss him.
We are sad TO HEAR THIS You have been there for so many now is the time we can do for you . after things quite down is when it will hit . take it one day at a time.
Oh Maureen I’m so sorry for your loss. I can’t believe he’s not here to tease me. I miss him so much If you get a chance you can always stop by to see us If you need anything just call
Sincere condolences to Robert and Roberta and the rest of the family.
My condolences to Maureen, Kelly & Dean, Hunter, Mia and all his siblings. Just thinking of him brings a smile to my lips. He was such a delight to visit with and he loved to go snowmobiling with me —- he was one of a kind! I am so glad I had the opportunity to know him and spend some time with him.
Dear Maureen and Family , We are all missing Ray and we all loved his teasing us all. I miss him not calling me Grandma all the time and telling me his coffee cup had a hole in it to get me to give him a refill. We always laughed when he did it. We are all sorry for your loss.
So sorry to hear of his passing! Missed dearly, Always remembered & Truly loved!