Roland Dale Wray

Roland Dale Wray

Richland

Roland Dale Wray, 92, peacefully passed away in his sleep on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at Halcyon House in Washington, Iowa. Born on Nov. 27, 1932, in Adams County, Iowa, Roland’s early years on the family farm instilled in him the virtues of hard work and community. Graduating from Lenox High School (1950), Roland attended Creston Iowa Junior College before serving in the U.S. Army (1953 to 1955).

While stationed in Germany, he discovered a passion for sports while managing the gym and athletic activities on base. He pursued this newfound interest at McPherson College (McPherson, Kans.), earning his bachelor’s degree in education and playing on the McPherson Hall of Fame Football Team until aging out and becoming a team trainer. At McPherson, he also met his future wife—fellow student Patsy Schechter. The two married on Dec. 23, 1957.

Roland’s career took the family across Iowa—with stops in Lenox, Sidney, State Center (West Marshall), Exira and Packwood (where he taught and coached for many years at Pekin High School)—as well as to Greeley, Colo. Along the way, they welcomed three children: Lori, Tom and Jean. He completed his Master of Education at Northwest Missouri State (Maryville, Mo.), taught myriad subjects and coached football, basketball, baseball and track.

Coach Wray was regarded by all as consistent, fair and disciplined. With Roland, you knew what you were going to get. He made time for everybody, could be counted on to do the right thing and habitually went above and beyond, including mowing the ball field with a hand mower despite a full course load to teach!

Returning to Kansas in 1985, Roland coached at McPherson—his alma mater—and later, several high schools and junior highs. After retirement Roland and Patsy moved to Ozark, Mo., where Roland continued substitute teaching, frequented home games by the Springfield-Ozark Mountain Ducks and spoiled his shadow: their wily rat terrier, Sophie. They traveled the country, volunteering on numerous mission trips, and went on several trips abroad. In 2006, after Patsy was diagnosed with terminal illness, Roland and Patsy moved back to Iowa, closer to family. After Patsy passed in 2009, Roland could regularly be found at Loriann’s in Richland, shootin’ the breeze over a meal and driving his little white pick up all over the countryside.

Roland was a lifelong sports enthusiast of all levels, lover of country and bluegrass music and member of the Lions Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Methodist Church. Economical in his use of words, he was known for his quiet, dry wit. For his children, words of encouragement were offered when most needed. Mr. Wray “isms” are still brought up by past coworkers, friends and students.

Roland is survived by his children, Lori (Greg) Krewson of Flower Mound, Texas, Thomas (Lori) Wray of Rocklin, Cali., and Jean (Clark) Yoder of Washington, Iowa; six grandchildren, Jenna (Joshua) White of San Diego, Cali., Jeff Krewson of Flower Mound, Texas, Grady (Sara) Wray and Zackary Wray (Caitlyn) of Lincoln, Cali., Gabriel Yoder of Jackson, Mo., and Joshua Yoder (Amanda) of Tiffen, Iowa; two great-grandchildren, Adrian White and Kaia Yoder, all of whom he loved dearly. Roland was preceded in death by his parents, D. Leo and Florence Wray; his wife, Patsy Wray, and a sister, Marilyn Coffey.

A celebration of Roland's life will take place Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Prairie View Church, 27131 Iowa 78, Ollie, Iowa, 52576. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 12, 2025, and will last until the time of service. A private burial will be held at Richland Friends Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be directed to McPherson College Athletic Department, Pekin Sports Booster or Iowa REACH. Donations can be mailed to 2855 Hwy. 1, Washington, Iowa, 52353. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.

As we say goodbye to Roland, we are reminded of the countless lives he touched as a teacher, coach, father and friend. His legacy will live on in the many lessons he taught, both in the classroom and beyond.