Raymond J. ''Ray'' Luyster

Raymond J. Luyster 78, of Dover, died Thursday, December 20, 2001 in Union Hospital.

Ray retired in 1975 from Dover Junior High School after over twenty years as serving as Guidance Counselor. Locally, he had also taught music at Midvale and Stone Creek, and had also worked as a music instructor in the Akron City School District.

Born January 14, 1923 in Boston, Massachusetts, he was son of the late Raymond Darle & Anna Dietel Luyster.

He was an active and devoted member of St. Johns United Church of Christ in Dover. He had been involved as a member of the choir, choir director, Sunday School Teacher and served on the Board of Christian Education. Ray was also active in the community as a member of the Tuscarawas Masonic Lodge at Dover, volunteering as a driver for the Senior Center - where he also enjoyed playing Bridge, delivering Meals on Wheels and assisting with RSVP.

A lifelong educator, Ray was a life member of the National Education Association and a member of the Ohio and Tuscarawas County Retired Teacher's Association. He earned his masters degree from the Ohio State University, his bachelor's degree from Akron University, and had also studied at Kent State University and Bowling Green State University.

Ray was a Marine veteran who served in World War II and was an active member of the Marine Corps League of Dover and the Dover VFW.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Helen Ruth Luyster, who passed away on November 20, 1998.

He is survived by his second wife, Laura Eames-Luyster, whom he wed on March 18, 2000.

Other survivors include:
2 daughtersMrs. Ken (Sandy) Bair of Akron
Karen Hammerly of Dover
2 grandchildren Mrs. Damon (Michal) Hackworth
Christopher Bair
4 step-childrenMark & Barbara Eames
Keith & Char Eames
Mrs. Dave (Lori) Schwartz
Bart Eames
Step-grandchildrenJennifer & Sandy Eames
SisterMrs. Loren (Ferne) Stevenson of Massillon
His mother in law Winona Gilbertson of Dover.
Loving petsTaffy & Suzie

In addition to his parents and first wife, Ray was preceded in death by a brother, Thomas Luyster.

A celebration of Ray's life will be held Thursday, December 27, at 11:00am in the St. Johns United Church of Christ at Dover with Rev. Steve Daniels officiating. Interment will be in the Bunker Hill Cemetery where the Dover VFW will conduct graveside rites. A luncheon will follow services in the church fellowship hall.

Friends may call at the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home, Dover on Wednesday from 5-8pm with Masonic services being held at 7:45pm. Friends may also call at the church, one hour prior to services on Thursday.

Those unable to attend or wishing to share a fond memory may sign the online register book for Ray by visiting the ''online obituaries'' link on the funeral home's website.

Memorial contributions may be made to either the St Johns United Church of Christ of Dover Building Fund or to the Tuscarawas County Humane Society.

Toland-Herzig, Dover
(330) 343-6132
www.tolandherzig.com