David S. Gray, 76, of Sparta, died Monday, September 25, 2006 at Franciscan Skemp Healthcare, Sparta.  He was born on April 15, 1930 in La Crosse, WI to Robert H. and Norma (Partridge) Gray.  He grew up in La Crosse and graduated from Central High School in 1951. 

     He served in the U.S. Navy from March 20, 1952 until February 25, 1955.  He married the former Janice Vaughn on November 15, 1952 in La Crosse.  After the service, they lived in Minneapolis and he worked for Honeywell. They moved to Massachusetts and he continued working for Honeywell and then started working for Digital in 1970.  He worked at Digital until he retired in 1992.  They moved to Sparta in May of 1992.

     He was a member of the Sparta United Methodist Church and served as financial Secretary/Treasurer at the church.  He was a past Boy Scout Leader while living in Minneapolis. A 55 year member of the Badger Lodge 345 F & AM and past Master Mason;  founder of Sound Taps in Wisconsin; served on the Board of Directors of Morrow Memorial Home, serving as secretary for 8 years; a member of V.F.W. Post 2112 , a member of the V.F.W. color guard, and a member of the American Legion Post 100.

     David is survived by his wife, Jan of Sparta; 3 children, Stephen (Joan) Gray of Maynard, MA, Alan (Maria) Gray of North Reading, MA,  Lisa (Leor Zolman) Gray of North Reading, MA; 8 grandchildren; 1 great grandson; and many nieces & nephews.

     He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Jonathan; 2 infant sisters; a sister, Shirley Craighead; and a brother, Robert Gray.

     Funeral services will be Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the United Methodist Church, Sparta, with Reverend David Carlson officiating. Burial with full military honors will be on Thursday  at 1:30 p.m. at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, MN.