(DES MOINES, Iowa) More details are being announced about plans to honor former Iowa Governor Robert D. Ray, who died last weekend, at the age of 89.
Thursday afternoon a motorcade will leave Dunn's Funeral Home, and pass by several Des Moines locations with special meaning to the Ray family, including Terrace Hill, Roosevelt High School, Drake University, and Des Moines City Hall, before traveling to the Iowa Capitol.
Members of the Iowa Air National Guard, the Iowa Army National Guard, Iowa State Patrol, and Des Moines Police Department will escort the casket into the Capitol Building.
Ray will lie in state Thursday afternoon in the Capitol Rotunda, the first Iowan in 64-years to do so.
Former Chief of Staff David Oman says the public is invited to the Rotunda Thursday afternoon, and encouraged to get there as early as 3:30 p.m. Parking will be available east of the Capitol. The public will be directed to the entrance on the building's south side, to go through security.
There will be a wreath laying ceremony at 5 p.m. but no speeches or program. Ray's grandchildren will place a memorial wreath of red roses, then members of the Asian community will place a wreath of white flowers, and finally Governor Kim Reynolds will place a wreath, made up of red, white, and blue flowers near the casket.
The Asian group will then begin a public procession, and members of the public will be allowed to pass by the casket and pay their respects, until the Capitol doors close at 8 30 p.m.
The funeral is Friday at 1 p.m. at First Christian Church in Des Moines. Oman says seating is limited, but those who wish to attend should arrive a half hour early. The event will be live-streamed by Drake University. (live.drake.edu).
The Ray family has asked that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be directed toward the Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University.
Former Governor Bob Ray funeral plans set
By Gary Barrett