David E. Gray, 73, of Sanger went to be with his Heavenly Father on Sunday, January 11, 2015. David was born July 27, 1941 in Waterloo, IA to Le Roy and Beulah Gray. He was raised in Northern Iowa where he graduated from Sumner High School. He received his Bachelor Degree (Magna Cum Laude) in Counseling Psychology from Chapman University in 1976 where he served as the Student Body President his senior year.

He was a retired Marine and a decorated Viet Nam Veteran, being awarded the Navy and Marine Corps commendation medal with the combat V and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm. He was able to travel the world, having visited some 51 countries and every state in the Union with the exception of Alaska. He was a lifetime member of the VFW Post #2205, a member of the American Legion Post 71 and a past officer and member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge #2446.

He is survived by his loving wife, Wanda, children, Karen Dennis, Katherine Herndon, David Gray, Jr. and LeRoy Gray; step-children, Michael Collendrina, John Collendrina, Sheila Hughes, Timothy Collendrina and James Collendrina; 16 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren; sister, Shirley Pratt of Waterloo, IA; brothers, Chuck and LeRoy Gray of IA. He is preceded in death by his parents and 2 sisters, Evelyn Woods and Marilyn Leyh.

His love for his family, his Corps and his Country were without reservation. David was a lifetime Methodist and at peace with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. David enjoyed his nightly ritual of listening to an hour of old time Gospel Music.

Visitation will be Monday, January 19, 2015 from 4:00 – 6:00 P.M. in the chapel of DeBerry Funeral Directors. Graveside services will be Tuesday, January 20, 2015 at 11:00 at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery.