Man Crushed Beneath Car

The small town of Jones is mourning the sudden death of a long-time police officer.

Tuesday, December 2nd 2008, 6:40 pm

By: News 9


News9.com

LUTHER, Oklahoma -- The small town of Jones is mourning the sudden death of a long-time police officer.

Lieutenant Kenneth Ray, 63, was killed Tuesday after a car he was working on at his home fell on top of him.

Ray's loved ones are still going through shock and a lot of grief over this beloved police officer, a man people said went out of his way for those around him.

"He just loved coming to work," Joe Bradley with the Jones Police Department said. "He loved the people here, he loved to say ‘Hi', and talk to people and being part of the community."

Hearts are heavy at the Jones Police Department over Ray's death. Ray had been an officer there for the past 18 years. Co-workers said Ray was dedicated to the people of Jones.

"He could have retired last month and chose not to," Bradley said. "He wanted to continue to serve the people of Jones."

Flags in the town now fly at half-staff in Ray's honor.

Ray was working on his daughter's car Tuesday evening when the car slipped off a jack crushing him.

He was taken by helicopter to a local hospital where he died.

Word of the death spread quickly in the town of about 3,000 people, where everyone knows everyone.

"I see him drive up and down the road," Jennifer Kotaiche with Papa Angelo's Pizza said. "One time our car wouldn't start out front and he helped us."

Ray was also a faithful church member. Tom Alvarez was his pastor for the past 20 years.

"He's one of those kind of guys that was always trying to help somebody," Alvarez said. "He always gave of himself. Kenny was a great guy."

Above all else, people in Jones said Ray was a family man, someone who cared deeply about his wife Lori and daughters, 17-year-old Lauren and 11-year-old Summer.

"He loved his family more than anything," Bradley said. "Those little girls had their daddy wrapped around their fingers."

Funeral services for Ray are set for 10 a.m. Saturday at the First Assembly of God Church in Jones.

A memorial fund has been set up for Lieutenant Ray's wife and two young daughters at First State Bank of Jones.

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