Ray Earl Manspeaker

Ray Earl Manspeaker passed from this life into the embrace of his Heavenly Father on September 6, 2024. He was born on September 10, 1950, in Grand Junction, Colo, to Earl & Arthella Manspeaker, and grew up in east Orchard Mesa. He graduated from Central High School, and married. He enlisted in Army, serving in Vietnam and then in the Army National Guard Retirement as Captain. Ray worked for WAPA until his retirement. Ray was devoted to his two sons, Jason and Allen, sharing his knowledge of hunting, fishing and camping, and involved each in Boy Scouts. He moved to Spokane, became involved in veterans affairs meetings and programs, and volunteered at the VA Hospital. He and his service dog, Susie, were inseparable. Ray moved back to Grand Junction, where his sister still lived, in January of 2018, and bought a new home. Susie and Ray became Volunteers at the Grand Junction VA Hospital. Ray’s personality was vibrant and sparkling. He was sociable and a man of his word. On moving back home, he joined the congregation of Pastor Bob Babcox of the Orchard Mesa Baptist Church. Pastor Bob was a rock of support and guidance for Ray. As Ray’s health began to fail, he increasingly wanted to move close to his son and family, and moved last Spring into a VA care facility nearby where he passed away on September 6th. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Allen and Melanie Manspeaker, and their sons, Jason and Zackary of Layton, UT; by his brother Guy Manspeaker of Rock Springs, WY; and by his sister and her husband Earlin and Roy Farber, of Grand Junction, CO and numerous nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, and by his eldest son Jason. A memorial service to celebrate the life of Ray Manspeaker will be held on Monday, September 23, 2024, starting at 3:00 p.m. at the Orchard Mesa Baptist Church. Internment will take place at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado, 2830 Riverside Parkway, Grand Junction 81501, commencing at 12:40 pm on Tuesday, September 24 2024. Memorial contributions may be made to Orchard Mesa Baptist Church, 2748 B-1/2 Road Grand Junction Co. 81503.