Nov. 19, 1941 – May 3, 2025
Rev. Barton Carlton Gray, 83, passed away peacefully in the Lord on May 3, 2025.
Born Nov. 19, 1941, in Battle Creek, Mich., Rev. Barton Carlton Gray was the son of Richard and Gertrude Gray. A lifelong servant of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), he was ordained in 1970 after graduating from Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Ind. He began his ministry serving a dual parish in South Dakota at Zion Lutheran Church in Avon and St. John Lutheran Church in Tyndall (1970–1975). He then served churches in Missouri, including Our Redeemer in Marshall and Peace Lutheran in St. Louis (1975–1991). In 1991, he returned to Michigan to serve St. John Lutheran Churches in both Pinconning and Rogers City until 2003.
Even in retirement, Gray remained active in ministry, serving as an interim pastor for congregations such as Holy Cross in Onaway, Trinity in Oscoda, and Immanuel in Ossineke. Throughout his 48 years of ministry, he was deeply appreciated for his pastoral care, particularly for the sick and dying, as well as his passion for teaching, youth ministry, and music.
He is survived by his beloved wife of over 60 years, Laura (McCormick) Gray; his children, Paul (Karla) Gray, Sarah (Greg) Schlicker, Timothy, John (Connie) Gray, and Joel (Jennifer) Gray; his grandchildren, Nicholas (Alex) Schlicker, Jared Gray, Eric (Sharon) Schlicker, Julia Gray, Lisa Gray, Margaret (Ben) Kontney, Jackie (Zach) Nelson, Janelle Gray, Thomas Gray, and Mason Gray; and his great-granddaughter, Caroline Schlicker. He is also survived by his brother, Rodger (Patricia) Gray. He was preceded in death by his sister, Debora (Kevin) King.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:
Lutheran Hour Ministries
A visitation and memorial service will be held in his honor:
Saturday, May 10, 2025
Visitation 9 a.m.
Funeral Service 10 a.m.
Immanuel Lutheran Church
632 E. Hwy N
Wentzville, MO 63385
The service will be livestreamed.