Ray K. Eder, 89, of Poplar, MT passed away Wednesday, May 4, 2016
In the early morning hour, Dad went home to be with Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Dad was born to Ray Martin Eder and Minnie Sky Arrow on September 6 th , 1926 in Detroit, Michigan. He lost his mother at the early age of 1 and was raised by Grandma Emma Mackey in Battle Creek, Michigan. Dad arrived on the Fort Peck Reservation at the young age of 10 where he was reunited with his big brothers Bert and Jack. He attended Fort Peck Agency Boarding School until they built the new Poplar Middle School.
Dad’s early work started when he was hired on to build the Fort Peck Dam. He then went on to work in the Seattle Stock yards. He enlisted in the Army from 1944 to 1946 serving as a Military Police Officer. He was honorably discharged and received 4 Metals of Honor. He served during World War II in the Asiatic Pacific near Japan. Upon returning to Poplar, he finished High School and graduated in 1950. He moved to Indianapolis, Indiana for a short time attending Junior College. In l951, Dad returned to Poplar and spent many years working in the oil field. Dad also worked as a Janitor for the Ft. Peck Tribes, as an Oil and Gas Specialist for the Fort Peck Tribes Minerals Office and spent a couple of years at Nemont Telephone working as a Right of Way Specialist. Dad served on the Fort Peck Tribal Executive Board from 1983 until 2009. Dad was the only elected tribal official who has served in all 3 positions within the Tribal Executive Board. He was elected and served as a Tribal Councilman, elected Vice Chairman for 5 terms and assumed the Tribal Chairmanship on two occasions. Dad served a total of 24 years in tribal government.
Dad had a good heart and was good to everyone he met, treating people with kindness and respect never putting himself before others. He loved the people of the Fort Peck Reservation. He was a devout Catholic and enjoyed attending mass every Sunday.
Dad married Catherine B. Rider Eder on May 7, 1957. From this union they had seven children. Karl Devlin, Cary Wayne, Kathy Rae, Ray Eldon, Rosella Avon, Martina Rose, Anna Lee and stepdaughter Julie Ann DeCelles of Ft. Belknap. Grandchildren Charles Corbet, Martina Rose, and Montana Duke Wilson; James Reese, Talissa Catherine, and Karl Dustin Eder; Taylor Jashaun Eder and Madison Jade Eder. Great Grandchildren Aiden Jayshaun and Jayden Ray Eder; Declan James Wilson, and Brayan Kyle Boyd.
Older siblings Rayola Eder, Karen Browning, Monica LaRoque and George Eder. Grandchildren Patricia, Georgie, and Curtis Eder; Michael Eder; Michelle Harada, Leah, Lisa, and Mary Strauser.
Dad is preceded in death by his parents, daughter Martina Rose, son Ray Eldon, brother’s Jack and Jimmy Eder. Special cousin Pearl White.
Dad is survived by mom, his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. His older brother Bert (Joann) Eder of Red Lodge and many nieces and nephews. Extended families include Steele, Buck Elk, First, Smoker, Buckles, Bighorn, and Blount. In-Laws Rider, Weasel and Bacon from Ft. Belknap.
The family would like to thank our big brother Karl for always being there for Dad and providing care for him at home.