Service: 10:30 a.m., with visitation one hour before, Saturday, Nov. 21, Henderson-Barker Funeral Home in West Branch. Online condolences: www.hendersonbarkerfuneralhome.com

WEST BRANCH, Iowa — Hershal E. Gray, 97, died Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009, at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City.

 A memorial fund has been established.

Mr. Gray was born Sept. 11, 1912, in rural Springdale the son of Justin and Harriet Conklin Gray.

He was a graduate of Springdale High School. He farmed most of his life in the Springdale area.

He was a resident of Cookson Home in West Branch for many years and later moved to Heath Manor in West Liberty. He was a lifelong member of the Springdale United Methodist Church.

He is survived by three nieces, Pam Jensen of Waterloo, Julie Wilkins and husband, Michael of Bennett, and Deb Ott and husband, Dale of Iowa City; five nephews, David Day and wife, Terry of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Steve Day and wife, Sue of Jacksonville, Fla., Kent Gray and wife, Donna of Lawrenceville, Ga., Nick Stolte and wife, Carol of Fennimore, Wis., and Paul Stolte of Des Moines and many great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters and a brother.