A. Ray Plants

29-year employee of Molycorp. A. Ray Plants, 77, of Washington, died Thursday, December 7, 2006, in Donnell House, Washington, following a one-year illness. He was born March 31, 1929, in Washington, a son of Harry M. and Minnie M. Hickman Plants. A graduate of Washington High School, Mr. Plants was a veteran of the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict, serving in Korea and Japan with Company B, 7th Calvary Regiment. He received the United Nations Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge and Korean Service Medal with one bronze star. Mr. Plants retired in 1991 from Molycorp, where he worked as laborer/steelworker for 29 years. He enjoyed woodworking, yard work and working on cars, but most of all, he enjoyed being a loving father and grandfather. On September 7, 1954, he married Betty Jean Grantz, who died June 20, 1997. Surviving are three sons, William L. Plants of New Hampshire, David E. Plants at home and Edwin R. Plants of Lancaster; a brother, Charles Plants of Youngstown, Ohio; a sister, Marie Wilson of Ashtabula, Ohio; and two grandchildren, Joshua and Melissa Plants. He also leaves Bob and Irene Hodgson, who were good friends and neighbors. Deceased are three brothers, Harry, Russell and Walter Plants, and a sister, Mary Williams. Friends will be received from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, where services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, December 11, with Pastor Rick Bruckner officiating. Interment will follow in Washington Cemetery.