ROCKVILLE-Houghton Ray Lashbrook (Ray), 96, Rockville, passed away on April 29, 2023, at Union Hospital’s Gibson Family Center for Hospice Care in Terre Haute, IN.
Ray was born May 17, 1926, in Brazil, IN to Truman and Bertha (Brendle) Lashbrook. He was preceded in death by his parents and younger brother Marvin Richard Lashbrook.
He was a WWII US Army combat veteran, serving from 1942-46, including a tour of duty in the Philippines. After his honorable discharge Ray enrolled in technical school in Louisville KY, learning the emerging field of television and electronics service. His career includes partnership in Bill & Rays TV shop on the town square in Rockville in the ‘60s, and later as a TV cameraman and engineer for WTHR in Indianapolis, retiring on December 31, 1988.
On December 21, 1946, Ray married Irene Adams of New Sarpy, Louisiana, who preceded him in death by 10 years. He is survived by four daughters: Janet Newton (James) of Garland, TX, Peggy Sharkey, Rockville, Valerie Youngen (Greg) Terre Haute, and Anne Goad (Norman) of Cypress TX. One daughter, Mary Anne, died in infancy. Ray and Irene were grandparents of 10, and great-grandparents to 23 children.
Ray was an Eagle Scout during his High School years in Brazil, and also a talented musician, playing trombone in traveling bands during the Big Band era. He also played in the Parke County band. He loved fishing, hunting, and along with wife Irene, enjoyed camping in their 5th-wheeler, spending winters in Louisiana and Texas after his retirement.
Ray was a devoted member of St Joseph Catholic Church in Rockville, and has served as Lay Leader, Eucharist Minister, and teacher during his time there. Until his death he was the oldest living member of the congregation.
The family would like to send their deepest thanks to VNA of the Wabash Valley hospice for the attention and care received during his last days. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Gibson Family Center for Hospice Care, VNA of the Wabash Valley, or the St Joseph Catholic Church.
He never met a stranger and always had a wonderful sense of humor with his infectious smile. He was greatly loved and will be missed by many.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 12 noon, Saturday, May 6, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 201 E. Ohio Street, Rockville with Father Todd Rebe officiating. Burial with military graveside honors by Parke County veterans will follow at Memory Garden Cemetery, Rockville. Visitation will be from 10:00 am until 12 noon with Rosary at 11:45 am Saturday at St. Joseph Catholic Church.
Arrangements entrusted to the care of Gooch Funeral Home, Rockville.
Online condolences may be shared at www.goochfuneralhome.com.