SPOKANE – A local war hero was laid to rest Thursday afternoon with full military honors in Spokane.
Ray Daves was a Purple Heart recipient from World War II. He also survived Pearl Harbor and the Battle of Midway. Daves was a military man and devoted his life to duty. Thursday was a day of remembrance and respect for Daves, as countless admirers grieved the loss of their friend, father and grandfather.
Decades ago Daves served as a Navy Radioman in World War II.
In the 1940’s Daves went to work as an air traffic controller when the Spokane control tower had just opened. Daves spent 27 years there and just a few months ago the tower was named in his honor.
Approximately two years ago Daves and his daughter Rayma traveled to the nation’s capitol to view the World War II Memorial as part of the Inland Northwest Honor Flight.
Friends of Daves said his light for life faded after his wife Adeline died.
“When you met Ray, you weren’t around him very long and you know he was crazy about his wife. There were no if’s and's or but’s about it,” said Daves' grandson Devin Hanson.
After a touching tribute with full military honors Thursday friends and family said goodbye to Daves, at least for now.
Ray Daves is survived by his daughter, Rayma.
Daves was 91 years old.
