Wayne G. Gray, 91

Wayne G. Gray, 91, a lifelong resident of Toledo, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, September 17, 2022, at Birkwood Village in Toledo.

Wayne was born on June 14, 1931, to Harry and Lucille (Fuller) Gray at home in Toledo, Iowa. After graduating from Toledo High School, he honorably served his country in the United States Army from 1952-1954. Wayne was united in marriage to Joyce Ellis, and their union was blessed with four children. He was then married to Karren Merchant and later divorced.

Hardworking and dedicated, Wayne was a lifelong farmer and active auctioneer. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved hunting and fishing. He enjoyed going to Meskwaki Casino and traveling, especially to Alaska and his annual fishing trips to Canada. Wayne was a member of multiple Angus Associations at the local, state, and national levels, including Tallcorn, Iowa, and American. He was also a leader of the West Toledo Wide Awakes 4H group and a member of the American Legion in Toledo. He enjoyed horses and played an instrumental role as one of the original board members in purchasing the ground that is now the Ridge Riders Saddle Club. More than anything else, he loved his family and especially enjoyed spending time with his grandkids and going to their many activities.

Left to cherish his memory are his four children: Rod (Laurie) Gray, of Harrison, NE, and their children: Naomi (Jeff) Pelster, Levi (Sarah) Gray, Colt (Riyatta) Gray, Heath Gray, and Garret Gray; Larry (Sharon) Gray, of Toledo, and his children: Thad (Kayla) Gray and Jacie Gray (Kelly Finley); Terry (Julie) Gray, of Toledo, and their children: Zebadiah Gray, Zane (Jenny) Gray, Brianna (Bryce) Chyna and Tara Gray; and Karna (Doug) Kittelson, of Hayti, SD, and their children: Dixie (John) Falk, Davita (Nathan) Atyeo and Denise (Tyler) Lau. He is also survived by 24 great-grandchildren plus one on the way, and his nephew, Brian (Mary) Estes.

Wayne is preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Lucille, and his sister and her husband, Doris, and Gene Estes.

A visitation will take place on Saturday, September 24, from 12:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M., followed by a 2:00 P.M. funeral service at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home in Marshalltown. He will be laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery in Toledo. Memorial donations can be directed to the family for later designation. For additional information or condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234.