Funeral service for Raymond H. Tow, 84, of Fairmont, will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the Lakeview Funeral Home Chapel in Fairmont. Military honors will be provided by the Lee C. Prentice American Legion Post 36 and Martin County VFW Post 1222. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Lakeview Funeral Home. Private family inurnment will take place at a later date. Ray passed away Sunday afternoon, Oct. 28, 2012, at the Parker Oaks Nursing Home in Winnebago. Memorials are preferred to the Martin County Conservation Club or the Fox Lake Conservation League.

Raymond Harry Tow was born on Aug. 4, 1928, near Willmar. He was the son of Martin and Mathilda (Leisener) Tow. Ray graduated from Fairmont High School and furthered his education at Gustavus Adolphus College where he studied Geology.

On Oct. 24, 1950, Ray enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served with the Army Engineers during the Korean War and earned the rank of corporal. He was awarded the Korean Service Medal with two bronze service stars before receiving an honorable discharge on Oct. 18, 1952.

Ray was a member of the Lee C. Prentice American Legion Post 36 and Martin County VFW Post 1222 as well as the Martin County Conservation Club and Fox Lake Conservation League. During his free time Ray enjoyed flying, motorcycles, coon hounds, hunting and fishing.

Left to cherish his memory include his brothers: Donald Tow and his wife, Kathryn of Fairmont and James Tow of Fairmont; nieces and nephews: Stephanie Hansen, Cynthia Naleid, Thomas Tow, Susan Harju, Valerie Jepsen, Michael Tow, Timothy Tow, Rodney Tow, Scott Banton, William Banton, Teresa Zaebst and Lisa Dorow; many great nieces and great nephews; brother-in-law, Herb Banton; sisters-in-law, Lucy Tow, and Bonnie Tow; many other relatives and friends.

Along with his parents, Martin and Mathilda Tow, Ray was also preceded in death by his siblings: Harold Tow, Vernon Tow, Robert Tow, and Norma Jane Banton; and sister-in-law, Elizabeth Tow.