Raymond J. Lokers

Raymond J. Lokers, 103, of Hamilton, lived and died in the comfort of belonging to his faithful Savior, Jesus Christ. Ray understood that he was saved by grace and he wanted others to experience that blessing as well. He loved Haven Reformed Church, faithfully serving as an elder and Sunday School teacher.

Ray was born on November 10, 1918, in Zeeland to Jacob and Hattie (Vrieling) Lokers, the youngest of eight children. After graduating from Hope College, he taught high school math and coached at Mackinaw City before serving as a Captain in the Army during WWII. He resumed his career in education as a teacher, coach, guidance counselor, and principal at Zeeland High School, while earning a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan. He served as the first Superintendent of Hamilton Community Schools and later returned to Zeeland Public Schools as its Superintendent. Following his retirement from public school administration, Ray and Clarissa served as missionaries at Al Raja School in Bahrain.

Ray loved playing, coaching, officiating, and watching sports of all kinds. This love culminated in his involvement in the National Senior Olympics, competing from age 91 to 101 in bowling and golf.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Clarissa (Vredeveld); son-in-law, Earl Miller; granddaughter, Stephanie Moore; great-granddaughter, Cameron Miller; and special friend, Mary Lou Koop. He is survived by his children: Carla Miller, Linnay and Bob Moore, Ray and Sandra Lokers, and Scott and Susan Lokers, grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Shawn and Cindie Miller, David and Jill Moore (Aidan, Austin), Jonathan and Sarina Moore (Henry, Elliott, Judson), Nate and Sara VanderArk Lokers, Erin and David Jeffries (John, Lydia, Caleb, Anna), Sarah and Matt Wixson (Grace, Abel), and Anna and Shannon Kohl (Carolyn).

Visitation will be from 6-8 PM on Wednesday, August 17, 2022, at Haven Reformed Church, 4691 Oak St. Hamilton, MI 49419.  Funeral service at Haven Reformed will be at 11:00 AM on Thursday, August 18.

The family thanks the staff members of Faith Hospice for their care and support. Memorial contributions may be given to Faith Hospice or Camp Geneva. The Lokers family is being served by Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St. Zeeland, MI 49464. To leave condolences for the family online, please visit, www.yntemafh.com.