Ray Emerson Garner

Ray Emerson Garner passed away on November 8, 2025, after a short illness at his assisted living residence in Lacey, WA. He was predeceased in death by his wife of 72 years, Vera Louise Garner, his parents, Kathryn Jane Rassmussen and father, Ralph E. Garner, two sisters, Mabel E. Mohrman, and Vivian L. Johnson-Baca. He is survived by his daughter, Katherine Louise Storms (William) of Chehalis, and son David Ray Garner (Tammera) of Tumwater, three grandchildren, Elizabeth Garner of Hillsboro, OR, Robert Garner (Christina) of Tumwater and Andy Garner (Cary Barto) of Lacey, three great-grandchildren, Daemon, Aless and Jonathan Garner of Hillsboro, OR, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Ray was born in Chehalis WA on February 13, 1932.

Ray grew up in Toledo, WA and enjoyed telling stories about growing up there and the mischief/fun he and his young buddies would get into. He lived with his mother and sisters on a small farm outside of town, and part of the time with his grandparents who lived in town where his friends were.

As a young boy he would work and earn a little money. He delivered milk at the age of 10 and at 16 he worked in a sawmill. He was drafted during the Korean War at the age of 20 and joined the Air Force. He and Louise had been dating for two years and decided to marry before he left for bootcamp. He was stationed at Great Lakes Naval Base, IL and worked at the O'Hare Air Force Base (now the O'Hare Airport in Chicago) to work on jet engines. Damage to his ear drum led to being reassigned to do office work. He and Louise lived in Illinois for the next four years. After being discharged they returned home and took advantage of the GI Bill and went to the Moler Barber College in Tacoma and became a barber. He operated Ray's Barber Shop on Chehalis Avenue, in Chehalis from 1958-1965. He sold the business and took a job with Georgia Pacific in Lacey, WA. After five years of commuting, the family moved to Lacey. Ray retired from Georgia Pacific after 25 years.

Ray enjoyed fishing, hunting (in his younger years), hiking at Mt. Rainier and Hurricane Ridge, and working with his hands. He built two prams and a rowboat and a lot of other things, and he worked on his cars and could fix just about anything.

When Louise retired three years after Ray retired, they traveled all around the United States. They enjoyed taking a river boat cruise up the Mississippi and cruises to Alaska. They also enjoyed spending time in Las Vegas. Ray especially enjoyed Hanabal MO, New Orleans, and visiting the Gettysburg battleground. He loved reading and especially about the Civil War and talking about what he had read. Even at his advanced age, he could talk about all kinds of subjects. In their later years, Louise and Ray enjoyed going to the Lucky Eagle Casino.

Dad will be greatly missed. He was the best dad a kid could ask for. Everyone who knew him mentioned how kind he was. As a barber, he was a good listener, and I know some of his customers counted him as a friend. Thankyou dad, for all the wonderful memories that we will carry with us forever.