Sherman "Ray" Shinsel

Sherman "Ray" Shinsel of La Grande, died April 9 at a local care center. Memorial services will begin at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Stake Center on Gekeler Lane in La Grande.

Viewing will start at 10 a.m. Tuesday in the Junior Chapel of the LDS church.

Dedication of the grave will follow at Grandview Cemetery.

Ray was born Jan. 7, 1927, at Kemmerer, Wyo., the first living son of Vernal Ruth Pate Shinsel and William Sherman Shinsel. He began school in a one-room schoolhouse in Tulsa, Wyo., later moving to Evanston, Wyo., and Seattle. He loved flying and received his pilot's license before he got his driver's license. He graduated from La Grande High School in 1945 and went directly into the Navy.

After the Navy he moved to California where he studied aeronautical engineering, then went on to work for Hughes Aircraft. He married Lorrie Blackford in August of 1950. They had four sons and divorced in 1961.

He married Mary Walker in June 1966. A series of events led Ray and Mary to La Grande in 1973 where they raised their six daughters. Ray's people personality and big heart quickly endeared him to this community of friends.

His work as custodian at the LDS Church allowed him to cultivate one of his greatest talents and indulge one of his greatest joys, that of helping and serving others. Mary was never sure who would be coming home with Ray for dinner. Ray also helped start a local company, Skip-Line, with his brother Vic.

Ray was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and he served on the High Council, in the missionary program, and various teaching and leadership positions. His favorite calling, however, was as nursery leader with his wife.

His family and the gospel were the most important things in his life.

Ray is survived by his wife, Mary; his sisters, Joyce (and Charles) Ford of Florida, Carol (and Bob) Berry of Alaska, Glenda Stallings of Florida, Kay (and Dave) Newman of California and a brother, Vic (and Maxine) Shinsel of La Grande.

He is also survived by his sons, Mike (and Penny) Shinsel of Simi Valley, California, Steven (and Stacy) Shinsel of Portland, David (and Lin) Shinsel of Portland and daughters Tracy (and Mark) Haynes of La Grande, Linda (and Greg) Wiggins of Pleasant Grove, Utah, Cheryl (and Grant) Esplin of Ontario, Kristen (and Brad) Rowe of Richland, Wash., Aimee (and Travis) Stratton of Flower Mound, Texas, and Robin (and Aaron) Jorgensen of Richland.

He is also remembered as "the tickle grandpa" by 32 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Ray was preceded in death by his son, Allan Shinsel, twin brothers, Max and Rex Shinsel, and his parents.

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