Ray E. Baumann

Ray E. Baumann of Billings passed away on Wednesday, March 23, 2016. He was 91 years young. Born April 12, 1924, in Bridger, to Orl and Freda Baumann, his family farmed and ranched east of Bridger.

Ray graduated from Bridger High School and was a decorated veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Theater aboard the Escort Carrier USS Savo Island. After his Navy service, Ray returned to Bridger, where he married Joyce Alexander on March 28, 1946.

He was employed with and retired from Montana Dakota Utilities in Billings, where he distinguished himself working as a serviceman, pipeline inspector and instrument technician. He was a member of the team that restored gas service to Cody, Wyo., when the gas line that served the city failed, and a valued member of the MDU team that responded to the Rapid City, S.D., flood after the dam in the city failed during a violent rainstorm.

After retirement, Ray continued to serve the community as an active member of Meals on Wheels, Billings Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center, Billings Senior Citizens Community Center and past president of the MDU Retirees. He was also invited to join the Billings Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., that recognized WWII vets for service to their country.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife of 65 years, Joyce; and his brothers, Gerald and Kenny. Surviving are his sister Joann of Washington state; daughter Candance (Earl) of Sacramento, Calif.; daughter Sandra of Billings; and son Ronald (Elizabeth) of Hayward, Calif. He was also the proud grandfather of six grandchildren, Jason, Wendy (Candance), Mindy, Treavor (Sandra), Pierce and Aaron (Ronald); and six great-grandchildren, Olivia, Jenna, Jake, Madeline, Phillip and Stella.

Ray was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His devotion to his family, sense of humor, generous heart, love of teasing and wonderful smile will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Special thanks to the staff of Billings Clinic Hospital and RiverStone Health Hospice for the loving care and kindness shown to Ray and his family.

Please join the family in remembering Ray at 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 29, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, 1001 Alderson Ave. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, March 28, at Michelotti-Sawyers.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Alliance for Adult Resources, 1505 Avenue D, Billings, MT 59102.