Raymond Elton Poisel

Raymond "Ray" Elton Poisel, of Wapato, Washington, went to meet his Savior Jesus face to face, on Sunday morning, June 4, 2023, at 4:45am. Ray was always an early riser. Ray was the eighth child born to John Henry Poisel and Nina May (Byers) Poisel, on January 25, 1944.
Ray grew up five and a half miles north of Brownstown, Washington, on a family farm/dairy. Ray, along with his brother, Ivan, enjoyed building toys and playing until it was chore time at the barn.
He learned at an early age how to fix or repair things by watching his dad. This talent continued through his life. He was sometimes referred to as "easy money" for his ability to think of and manufacture a better or easier way to do the job at hand.
Ray was 14 years old when his mother sent to the Midwest and got his first English Shepherd (Pinka). Ray's family attended the Brownstown Harrah Assembly of God church, where he came to know the Lord.
As some teenage boys would, he and Ivan had their mischievous times.
Ray met Peggy Traub during a Brethren Church Youth outing at Mt. Rainier, in August 1963. They would have celebrated their wedding day plus 58 years on June 12. They were always a team and enjoyed many adventures together.
Ray had the initiative and ability to always have a job. His parents taught him well. He drove truck for many years, and ended his driving career at NC Machinery, operating lowboy, hauling heavy equipment.
Some of Ray's projects over the years included a Model "A" Ford pickup, a Vitamin C orange 1954 Ford pickup, and a total ground up rebuild and customization of a 1956 Ford pickup, with help from his nephew, Charles. Ray restored a 1952 Chevy Cabover truck that belonged to his brother-in-law, Henry Lommers.
Through his cousin, Bob, and friends, he became involved in the Central Washington Antique Farm Equipment Club. He enjoyed building and running lawnmower pulling tractors, along with antique JD Tractors.
Ray enjoyed his truck driving career, but he always wanted to farm. Following the passing of his father and mother-in-law, he began to farm the Traub family farm. He and Peggy raised spearmint.
Special times were camping, including mushroom picking, huckleberrying, hunting, especially elk and moose, and motorcycle trail riding. Taking trips by road bike with the "over the hill" gang were special times.
In the last years he served his Lord at Harrah Grace Brethren Church, as elder, greeter, usher, bell ringer, and whatever else was needed.
Thank God for all the years that He gave Ray on this earth, and for God's promise of eternal life with Him. He walked with God and still does.
Ray will be missed. In keeping with his wishes, there will be a Celebration of Life and Barbeque of Thanks, on July 8, 2023, at 2:00pm, at the family residence. Please RSVP by June 28, 2023, to 509-949-3950, or to Peggy's Facebook. All friends and family are welcome.
Ray and Peggy would like to thank everyone who has prayed, thought of, visited, and helped during this past year.
Brookside Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.brooksidefuneral.com.