Raymond E. Lovely

Raymond E. Lovely, 82, of Bradenton, Florida, died on Saturday, June 12, 2004, at Blake Medical Center, Bradenton, Florida, of heart disease. He was born in Middletown, Ohio on August 8, 1921 to parents Kennie and Helen (Calhoun) Lovely.

In his early years, Ray attended school in Middletown, his Jr. years were spent at Amanda School and he was a 1939 graduate of Monroe High School. His first employment was at the Harding-Jones Paper Company. In 1942, he joined Aeronca and fulfilled an early dream of planes and flying. He was program manager at Aeronca while they were building the heat shield capsule to the command module for the Apolo Program. He took retirement after 36 1/2 years. He then spent seven years in sales at Cohen Brothers Steel Fabricating, and retired again in 1985.

Ray also dreamed of singing with the Barbershop quartet. In October 1946, a Razor’s Edge Chapter of the SPEBSQSA was organized in Middletown and along with three friends, they became known as the Close Aires. In 1949-50, they were the Johnny Appleseed District Champions. Ray was a charter member of Razors Edge for 58 years, during which he was elected five times as the president of the chapter, while his friend, Charles “Bud” Apking became the chorus director. His base voice became very familiar while singing in the choruses and choirs.

In June 1948, he married his beloved wife Jeanette (Selby) Lovely and cherrished their 56 years together. They retired to Bradenton, Florida in March of 1985 for the winters and returned to Middletown for the summer months. In 1996, they sold their Central Ave. home and became full time Florida residents.

Mourning his death, in addition to his wife Jeanette, is his sister, Marilyn Darrell; sisters-in-law, Kathleen Agoston Hewitt, Carole Robinson, and Pat (Bill) Anthony, all of Middletown. He also leaves behind 5 nieces; 7 nephews; 30 great nieces and nephews; a godson, Kevin C. Lawson of Key Port, Washington and his brother, Timothy Lawson of Pasadena, California.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Harold J. Lovely; and a sister, Betty (Lovely) McElfresh.

Carrying out her husband’s wishes, along with hers, they wish to acknowledge with utmost sincerity, their deep appreciation for a long time friendship of special people, Audrey Apking of Springfield, OH; Bernice (Bee) Meyer and Betty L. Henderson, both of Middletown, OH; and Frank and Jane Lawson of Bradenton, Florida.

Funeral Service will be held Thursday, June 17, 2004 at 10:00 AM at Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding Funeral Home, 3805 Roosevelt Blvd. at Bonita Dr., Middletown. Visitation will be Wednesday, from 5-8 PM at the funeral home. Entombment will be at Woodside Mausoleum.

Memorial donations may be made to Razor´s Edge Chapter of Middletown Barber Shop Chorus, 12 Redbud Dr., Middletown, OH 45042 - OR - St. Paul's United Church Of Christ, 114 S. Broad Street, Middletown, OH 45044.

Funeral Home:
Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding
3805 Roosevelt Blvd.
Middletown, OH
US 45044