Ray Eugene Bussard

Ray Eugene Bussard, age 65 years, of Onsted, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, May 1, 2016, at ProMedica Bixby Hospital in Adrian. He was born July 4, 1950, in Coshocton, Ohio, the son of William and Mary Jane (Craigo) (Bussard) Emler. Ray graduated from Ridgewood High School in West Lafayette, Ohio, in 1968.  He joined the U.S. Air Force and proudly served from 1969-1973.  Ray married Mary J. Smith July 2, 1977, in Bridgeport.  She preceded him in death Dec. 3, 2009. On Oct. 18, 2014, Ray married Kimberly P. Cornett in Onsted. Ray attended Gateway Community Church in Onsted.  He was an engineer and worked at the Chrysler Proving Grounds in Chelsea.  Ray enjoyed boating, ice fishing, karaoke, bowling, fixing things that were broke, watching sunsets, ice cream and especially his time with grandkids, family and friends.

Surviving Ray besides his wife, Kim, are his three daughters, Elizabeth (Anthony) Monk of Saginaw, Breanne (Brandon) Blanks of Wayne and Brooke (Jordan Church) Bussard of Lansing; five grandchildren, Brandon II, Josie, Alexis, Cameron and Aubrey; five brothers, Chuck (Bev) Bussard of Coshocton, John (Gayle) Bussard, Ed (Vickie) Bussard, Artie (Phyllis) Bussard and Robert Bussard, all of West Lafayette; and one sister, Sandy (David) Jackson of Canton; mother and father-in-law, Garlin and Irene Cornett of Ypsilanti; several  brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; and  many nieces, nephews and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his mother and father; his first wife, Mary; sister-in-law, Lynn Bussard; and nephew, Cody Bussard.

Funeral services for Ray will be at 11 a.m. Friday, May 6, 2016, at the Gateway Community Church in Onsted with Pastor Tom McMichael officiating. Military Honors will follow, conducted by Durkee-Seager Post #550 American Legion of Onsted.  Visitation will also be held at the church Thursday, from 2 to 8 p.m., with a time of remembrances and stories at 7 p.m. and Friday for one hour prior to the service. Memorials are suggested to the Gateway Community Church or FIRST Robotics. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown-Van Hemert Funeral Home in Onsted.

Condolences to the family can be left at www.brownvanhemert.com.

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