Raymond Charles Prideaux

Raymond Charles Prideaux was born November 15, 1929 in Omaha, Nebraska to Frank and Hazel (Nixon) Prideaux. Ray was the middle son born to Frank and Hazel. Frank Jr. was born 1926, and Kenneth in 1932. The family lived at 4211 Binney Street in Omaha for several years, then moved to 4017 Binney in 1943. As a young boy, Ray enjoyed playing marbles, building forts in empty lots, riding his bicycle, playing sports with his friends, and caring for his dog, Lady. Ray attended Clifton Hill Grade School, and graduated from Technical High School in 1948. Along with his other classes at Tech, Ray especially enjoyed his class in electricity. After school in his Junior and Senior years, Ray worked a regular shift at the Union Pacific Railroad shops. After graduating, he worked full time there in many different shops until he could begin his electrical apprenticeship. Ray completed his apprenticeship in 1955 and received the award as “Industrial Apprentice”. He received his award in Grand Island, Nebraska in the presence of the Governor of Nebraska, and other state dignitaries. Ray was drafted and inducted into the United States Army on February 5, 1951. He served in Korea from July 1951 to June 1952. Ray served with the 5th Regimental Combat Team which was a special unit that spearheaded for Divisions on attacks against the enemy. He achieved the rank of Platoon Sargeant. The Army had given him a small New Testament Bible, and Ray felt that having his “scripture lessons” often and looking after his men is what helped him through this difficult time. Ray was discharged from the Army on November 5, 1952. After a few days, he returned to work at the UP Railroad shops. Ray met a young lady by the name of Marlys Hansen. They dated, became engaged, and were married on April 24, 1954 at the Lowe Avenue Presbyterian Church in Omaha, NE. The couple was blessed with 5 children: Gregory Neal, who died at age on month and one day, Gary Dean, Ronald Ray, Laurie Louise, and Janice Jean. The family made their home in Omaha and the Benson area before moving to Elkhorn in 1975. After much thought, Ray decided to change careers. He applied at the Northwestern Bell Telephone Company and was hired and began his career there in 1957. He worked for “Ma Bell” until 1984 when there was a breakup of the Bell system. For the next 10 years, he was with AT& T. With both companies, he was a PBX Installer, which meant he put phone and boards in businesses. He worked for these two companies for 36 years, and really enjoyed his work, taking pride in giving the best service possible. He was in charge of the phone work at Douglas County Hospital and Veterans Hospital for some time, and did a lot of work at Mutual of Omaha and the old St. Joseph Hospital. Ray retired on the last day of 1993. Ray was a longtime member of the Capitol Masonic Lodge #3, and was an avid supporter of the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha. He enjoyed taking the family on vacation, and attending all of the family gatherings. He held dear to him, his family and his 58 years of marriage to Marlys. Ray liked to cheer for the Elkhorn Antlers, and the Nebraska Cornhuskers, and enjoyed dining out at Mr. C’s or Romeo’s. He will be remembered as a funny, hard-working man, who was patriotic, lovable, and caring. Ray passed away on February 5, 2013 at the Life Care Center of Elkhorn at the age of 83 years, 2 months, and 20 days. He is preceded in death by parents, son Gregory Neal, and brother Frank Jr. Ray is survived by his wife Marlys of Elkhorn, children: Gary (Deanne) Prideaux of Great Falls, MT, Ron (Lisa) Prideaux of Omaha, Laurie (Doug) Hays of Elkhorn, and Janice (David) Merritt of Omaha, grandchildren: Breanna, Greg, Ashley, Alyssa, Dalton, Andria, and Drew, stepgrandchildren: Chad, Sean and Aaron, brother Kenneth (Sharon) Prideaux, and sister-in-law Lois Prideaux. Raymond C. “Ray” Prideaux, age 83, of Elkhorn, NE, died 2/5/13. Preceded in death by parents and brother Frank Jr. Survived by wife Marlys of Elkhorn, children: Gary (Deanne) of Great Falls, MT, Ron (Lisa) of Omaha, Laurie (Doug) Hays of Elkhorn, and Janice (David) Merritt of Omaha, grandchildren: Breanna, Greg, Ashley, Alyssa, Dalton, Andria, and Drew, stepgrandchildren: Chad, Sean and Aaron, brother Kenneth (Sharon) Prideaux, and sister-in-law Lois Prideaux. Funeral service 10:30 AM Monday, Bethany Lutheran Church, Elkhorn. Interment at Prospect Hill Cemetery, Elkhorn with military honors by Benson VFW Post 2503. Visitation Sunday from Noon to 6 PM with the family receiving friends from 4-6 at the funeral home. Memorials to the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo.

Raymond Charles Prideaux

November 15, 1929 - February 5, 2013