Raymond Lamprey King

Raymond Lamprey King, age 92, passed away on Monday, October 18, 2021 at The Brook in West Branch, Michigan after a wonderful day surrounded by family. Ray lived in West Branch since 1962.

Ray was born on September 1, 1929 to Samuel and Doris (Lamprey) King. He was raised in Massachusetts and Maine serving in the Maine Air National Guard and the United States Air Force through the Korean War during which he attained the rank of First Lieutenant. Ray graduated from the University of Maine where he majored in Business Administration. As a student athlete, he was active in numerous sports including hockey, cross country skiing, and ski jumping. He then attended Boston University Law School where he graduated as President of his class.

After law school, Ray moved to Michigan to take a position with the Ford Motor Company. He subsequently opened a private law practice in Pontiac, Michigan and worked with and for the Oakland County Republican Committee. In 1961 he was privileged to be elected as a delegate to Michigan’s Constitutional Convention where he helped write the state constitution that continues to govern us today.

Ray moved to West Branch in 1962 serving six years as Ogemaw County Prosecutor. He subsequently served as Ogemaw County Probate Judge where he found working with juveniles to be especially rewarding.

Aside from his work as an excellent trial attorney and judge, Ray was an antique dealer, a British car collector, a pilot, a skier, an accomplished public speaker/comedian, an actor, a political junkie, a world-wide traveler and a very avid golfer. He provided his skills and time to a number of charitable causes including Hospice of Helping Hands, the Ogemaw Kids’ Club, Kiwanis, Boy Scouts of America and many more.

Ray is survived by his children Deborah (Richard) Westcott of West Branch, David (Frances) King of Lake City and Kathryn (Paul) Holmes of Gaylord, as well as step-children Laura (Pat) Hanlon of West Branch, Allen (Kathy) Morris of West Branch and John (Jody) Morris of Harrison; grandchildren Ryan, Kyle, Ellen, Christopher, Elizabeth, Brandi, Mica, Mary Jo, Katy, Colette, Molly, Maggy, Trina, Ashlee and Alex and 24 great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Carlton King and his sister Laura Bradley, as well as his first wife Jean Peters King and his second wife Mary Louise King, both of whom he loved very much.

An Open House celebration of life gathering will be held at the Highway Brewing Company on Sunday, October 24, 2021 from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm (209 W Houghton Ave. West Branch, MI).

Memorial contributions can be made to the Ogemaw Kids’ Club.

Arrangements were handled by Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch. www.steuernolmclaren.com