RAYMOND EDWARD BARLE JR.
After graduating high school, he enlisted in the U.S Air Force. He served his country for two tours during Vietnam. Ray earned 3 purple heart awards. He faced every challenge in life with admirable strength and courage.
Raymond Edward Barle Jr. age 74, passed away on Friday April 5, 2024. Ray was born on April 19, 1950, to Raymond Edward Barle and Mary (Wolfe) Barle in the city of Chicago, Illinois. Ray was a devoted husband (Linda Barle), and loving father of Ryan, Steven, and Ben Barle. Ray will be deeply missed by all who knew him. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the U.S Air Force. He served his country for two tours during Vietnam. Ray earned 3 purple heart awards. He faced every challenge in life with admirable strength and courage. Following his discharge from the U.S. Air Force, Ray worked for the US post office for 39 years. Ray met his wife Linda in Grand Rapids and married in 1972. He and Linda moved to Lowell, MI in 1979 to raise their family. Ray was kind, caring, and the most laid-back man who loved his family. Ray was an avid sports fan, never missing a Chicago Bears or Cubs game. Before cable, if the Bears were not broadcast on TV, he and his 3 boys would sit in the car to listen to the game on the radio. Family meant more to Ray than anything. He would be the first to call his kids or grandkids after an event if he was unable to attend in person, eager to hear how everything went. Ray loved his annual hunting/fishing trips or happy hour with his family and friends. He instilled the values of family, hard work and doing what is right. Ray was predeceased by his wife Linda, mother Mary, father Raymond, sister Marion, and sister Janet. He is survived by his three sons Ryan (Bridget), Steven, Ben (Amber) Barle; grandchildren, Brianna, Brooke, Blake, Kallie, Vivienne, James, Maizie, Jade Barle, and many in-laws, nieces, and nephews Mass of Christian Burial will take place on April 13, 2024, at St. Mary Catholic Church, 402 Amity St SE, Lowell 49331, at 11am with visitation 1 ½ hour prior. Rev. Msgr. Edward Hankiewicz presiding. Interment Fort Custer National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Pink Arrow Pride, PO Box 246, Lowell, MI 49331, in honor of Raymond Barle. Father, you will live on forever in our hearts, we love you. Rest in Peace.
