Ray Glenn Brinkman

Ray Glenn Brinkman, 77, of  Prudenville passed away on Thursday August 15, 2019 at King Nursing and Rehabilitation Centre, Houghton Lake.

Ray was born on March 26, 1942 in Indianapolis, Indiana to Alonzo and Betty (Mitchell) Brinkman. He grew up and graduated from high school in the Indianapolis area.  Ray received his Bachelor's Degree from Hanover College.  He then served over 30 years in the Army, where he received The Bronze Star Medal for service in Vietnam, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, along with several other honors. He retired from the service as a Sgt. Major.  On March 2, 1969 in Indianapolis, Indiana, Ray was married to Patricia Jo Barthel.  The couple have been coming to the Houghton Lake area for  the past 8 years and moved permanently to Prudenville 6 months ago. Ray was a member of Pathways Southern Baptist Church.  He was a jack of all trades, taking anything apart and fixing it or building it.  He enjoyed working on cars and taught auto mechanics at the J. Everett Light Career Center in Indianapolis.  Ray was a collector of antique military weapons.  His special love came from spending time with his family.

Surviving Mr. Brinkman are his loving wife of 50 years, Patricia  Brinkman of Prudenville; six children, Shawne Brinkman of Prudenville;  Brandy (Preston) Daugherty of Prudenville, Angela (Edward) Smith of Indianapolis, IN, Christopher (Nicole) Brinkman of MS, Johnathan (Whitney) Brinkman of Prudenville, and Adrianne (John) Brinkman of Indianapolis, IN; 17 grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and brother, Michael Brinkman of Indianapolis, IN.  Ray was preceded in death by his parents. 

Funeral Services for Ray Glenn Brinkman will be conducted at 11:00 am on Wednesday August 21, 2019 from Pathways Southern Baptist Church with Pastor Jeffrey Tuttle officiating. Interment will be in Denton Township Cemetery with military honors. Visitation will be held on Wednesday August 21, 2019 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Pathways Southern Baptist Church.  Memorial contributions in memory of Ray are asked to be directed to the VFW. Christler Funeral Home, Houghton Lake Chapel is serving the family. Condolences can be sent to the family online at www.christler-holdship.com 

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