@obithed:Zane Erb Gray, 80
ROCKFORD -- Zane Erb Gray, 80, of Rockford died Monday, May 24, 2004, in his
residence after a long illness. Born Nov. 8, 1923, in Rockford, the son of James
Atwood and Frances (Erb) Gray. Lived all his life in Rockford. Married Lynne
VanCleve in Rockford, and married Martha Pixler Oct. 19, 1968, in Rockford. Zane
was employed as a salesman for Mid City Stationers and Ginders Hospital Supply.
Veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Navy in the South Pacific. Member
of Third Presbyterian Church where he served as an elder, deacon, trustee and
property manager. Member of North End Neighborhood Association and the USS New
Mexico Association (World War II ship). Former member of Masonic Lodge 102 and
Tebala Motorcycle Corps. He was very active in Boy Scouts of America. Graduated
from Rockford Central High School. Survivors include his wife, Martha of
Rockford; children: Trinda Gray O'Connor of Chicago, Douglas Gray of South
Carolina, Norwella Gray of Pensacola, Fla., Lynette Nehmer of Decatur, Kim Kuntz
of Florida, Royal Gray of Peoria and Dean Gray of Florida; stepchildren: Michael
Pixler and Kathleen Johnson, both of Rockford, Patricia Pixler and Maureen
Berthold, both of Minneapolis, Minn., and Dan Pixler of West Bend, Wis.; 16
grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Memorial service at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 29, in Third Presbyterian Church,
with the Rev. Dr. Murray Hanson, pastor, officiating. The family will greet
friends from 10 a.m. to service time Saturday at the church. In lieu of flowers,
memorial gifts may be given to Third Presbyterian Church, 1221 Custer Ave.,
Rockford, IL 61103. Burpee-Wood Funeral Home, 420 N. Main St., is assisting the
family with arrangements. To send condolences or for more information visit
www.burpeewoodfh.com.