Ray Percy Dawes

Ray Dawes, 91, passed away at his home on Wednesday, October 25, 2023.

A funeral service will be held at Grace Lutheran Church in Fairfield on Wednesday, November 1, at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Sunset Hills Cemetery.

Ray was born on December 7, 1931, in Grand Forks, ND to Harvey and Helen Daws. After graduating from high school, he joined the Air Force. A short time later he married the girl he met while in the first grade and would come to spend 65 years with, Virginia Ann Hagen. The couple proudly embraced military life as they raised three children and served their country while traveling around the world.

He was a veteran of the Cold, Korean, and Vietnam wars. Upon retiring from the Air Force, Ray began a second career working for the Greenfield Irrigation District where he came to respect and admire the hardworking people of the Fairfield Bench. He also spent his time attending and supporting Grace Lutheran Church and daily living his faith.

He is survived by his children, Steven of Great Falls, Mark (Barbara) of WV, and Carrie also of Great Falls; his grandchildren, Oliver (Tracy) of Great Falls, Ashlie of WV, Hannah (Scott) of Helena, and Stefanie (Cody) of AZ; one brother, Kenneth Dawes (Marjorie) of ND; and four sisters, Lois Dowling of WA, Betty Lyth of CA, Phyllis Daws of FL, and Carol Dencker of ND. He was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia; his parents, Harvey and Helen; and his identical twin brother, Russell.