NORMAN — Raymond C. Ditzler, 94, died Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012, at Havenbrook the Chapel at Havenbrook Funeral Home. Burial will be in I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Norman. Arrangements are by Havenbrook Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 18, with family greeting friends at Havenbrook Funeral Home.

Ray was born May 15, 1918, in Norman, but soon after his birth the family moved to Ponca City where his father worked on the railroad. After his father died in April, 1921, Ray was raised by his mother and four older sisters. He attended school in Norman where he excelled in mechanical drawing and art. But he had to begin full-time work after the eighth-grade to help support the family.

His first job was in a plumbing supply house, where he found the career that would support him and his family throughout his lifetime. Starting with cottage work or “home repairs” and growing into the position of foreman on numerous buildings/developments across the state of Oklahoma. His reputation as builder, supervisor/trainer of men, innovator and draftsman made him highly sought after for construction projects. Ray’s lifelong motto was “Anything worth doing is worth doing right — the first time.” His work withstood the test of time and quality always.

In Ponca City, Ray married Christine Hall in 1937 and they had five children: Donna, Darlene, Ramon, Ron and Gil. However, their marriage ended in divorce in 1962. Ray and all of his children have lived most of their lives in the Norman area.

Ray was destined to find the love of his life when he married Virginia “Janell” Summers in 1991. They spent many happy years together in their home. Ray made many improvements on the property providing them both years of comfort and joy as they welcomed family and friends. They traveled many times to other states and Canada, including a cruise to the Southern regions of Mexico with friends. Loving and taking care of each other, they enjoyed many happy years as “seniors” together.

During World War II, Ray served in the U.S. Army and was sent to England, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. Fascinated by seeing the home of his ancestors, he planned to return to Germany some day under peaceful circumstances. After retirement in 1982, Ray returned to Europe to all those countries he’d seen during the war. In addition, he toured Ireland, Scotland, France, Switzerland, Austria, Luxembourg and Lichtenstein during various trips.

Ray was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church, the American Legion Post 88 and the Plumbers & Pipefitters Union Local 944. We thank all those who cared for him, prayed for and loved him throughout his lifetime, especially his loving wife and best friend — Janell. We will all remember him fondly with respect for the kind and gentle man he was, as well as for the generosity he provided so freely to family, friends and those in need.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Charles W. Ditzler and Sarah Ann Cowser; his four sisters, Edna Graves, Ola Sherbon, Dolly Dixon and Ruth Jones; the mother of his children; and two of his sons, Ramon Ditzler and Ron Ditzler.

He is survived by his loving wife Janell; his daughters, Donna Crandell and Darlene and Curtis Swim; his son, Gil Ditzler; and stepsons Eddy and Don Summers; 18 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and 15 great-great-grandchildren.

His name and reputation are evident in the work he accomplished and by the many men he trained for their careers. His Faith, honorable military service during World War II and his dedication to American traditions and values live on in his descendants. He earned the title of Mister, but was more comfortable with the word — friend. Ray Ditzler will live on in our hearts and memory — forever.

Online condolences may be shared at www.havenbrookfuneralhome.com.

Norman Transcript, Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2012

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