Obituary of Kingsley R. Hanger

Ray was born March 19, 1925 in Hartford, Connecticut to Raymond Hanger and Ruth E. Davidson. Most of his growing-up years were spent in Miami, Florida where the family had moved when he was a baby. There his boyhood was spent in fishing in the canals, snorkeling in the warm ocean, and biking all over Miami with friends. Ray entered the Navy at age 17, and served in the South Pacific close to 4 years during WWII.At age 10, he learned to play guitar, and was totally captivated. His love of music endured throughout his life time. Having moved with family to San Diego after the war, friends encouraged him to come to Seattle’s Simpson Bible College. There he met and married Lovella (Val) Selstad. They made their home in Tumwater, Washington, where their seven children were born and grew up. Ray worked for 15 years for the postal service, and then trained as an A&P aircraft mechanic, pursuing a career in aviation, another lifelong passion. Several years were spent working in San Diego’s Naval Air Rework Facility, where Ray retired from civil service. They then came back to Tumwater to be among family and friends. Ray always had a strong faith in God, and lived a life reflecting this. He enjoyed using his talent in church, where he played guitar with the worship team. His other music interests included ‘jamming’ with friends and playing for senior dances, eventually forming his own band, ‘Melodies Recycled’. Surviving are his wife of 60-plus years Lovella (Val), daughters Bonnie Lewis of Cornelius, Oregon, and Ruth Wilson of Tenino, Washington, sons John of Battleground, Washington, Tim of Shelton, Washington, Dave and Dan of Buckeye, Arizona, and Ray of Vancouver, Washington. Memorial service will be held at Littlerock Community Fellowship Church. Memorial donations may be made to LCF building fund. You may leave your memories of Ray and condolences for the family by clicking on "View Guestbook" below.