Raymond Dale Mumford January 26, 1922-December 25, 2010

Raymond (Ray) Dale Mumford passed away after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease on December 25 in Bend at the age of 88. Ray was born in San Dimas, California, growing up among the citrus groves, and quickly proving adept at repairing engines and automobiles.

When the U.S. entered World War II, Ray's mechanical skills and talent were desperately needed here at home. The U.S. government employed him with the civil service as an aircraft mechanic at Edwards Air Force Base, where he served for 40 years.

After the war ended, Ray found himself working with the test pilots that eventually became America's first astronauts. Ray often recounted the excitement of securing Chuck Yeager into the seat of the jet he piloted to break the sound barrier in 1947. Known for his warm heart and happy disposition, Ray was always quick with a joke. Ray also loved animals, and it was said that even the most temperamental creature was instantly charmed by him.

Ray married Katherine Olander in 1959 and raised two daughters in Tehachapi, CA. Ray was very active in his local church and served as an usher, Sunday school teacher and boys group leader.

After Katherine's death Ray married Marjorie (Dumas) Mumford in 1997 and moved to Bend in 2004.

Ray was predeceased by his mother and father, brothers, Howard and Peter and his loving wife of 37 years, Katherine (Olander) Mumford. Ray leaves his devoted wife of 13 years, Marjorie (Dumas) Mumford of Bend; three daughters, Virginia Ross of Hemet, California, Roberta "Bertie" Mumford of Sisters, Muriel Register of Tehachapi, California; and three grandchildren, Trevor, Naomi and J.J. Register of Tehachapi, California. Ray also leaves four stepchildren, Marlene Dumas of Sisters, Janice Dinardo of Garfield Heights, Ohio, Kevin Dumas of Sisters, and Dianne Dumas of Portland.

Ray was a very special man who was dearly loved by his family and many friends and will be greatly missed. Services were held Sunday, January 2, at Trinity Lutheran Church in

Bend.

Information provided by Marlene Dumas