Ray "Gene" Harwood was the son of Ray Earl and Audrey (Hager) Harwood.  He was born in Adair, Iowa on April 11, 1941.  He attended Des Moines Public Schools graduating in 1959 from Des Moines Technical High School.  After working the summer at John Deere Des Moines Works, he attended Grand View Junior College for a short time.  On November 23, 1959, he and his long-time buddy Gene Mitchell enlisted in the United States Army.  He served with the Army Air Defense Command in Connecticut and Maine, obtaining the rank of Specialist 5, E-5.  While on leave in July of 1960, he married Diana Willcockson, they welcomed a son Richard in September of 1962.  After being discharged, he returned to Des Moines where his young family awaited his return.

He was employed by Iowa Power, John Deere and Western Tool before accepting a position as a Substitute Letter Carrier with the United States Post Office in November of 1964, retiring in 1999.  Not ready to fully retire, Ray was employed by Central & AMCO Parking Systems until 2005, when health problems dictated him calling it quits.

During his career as a letter carrier, Ray was active in the National Association of Letter Carriers, serving as Steward, Secretary-Treasurer and Vice President in the local branch.  He was also active in the Iowa Association of Letter Carriers, serving as District Representative, Vice President and President/Legislative Chairman.  For his service to the letter carriers of Iowa, he was inducted into the Letter Carriers Hall of Fame in 2000 and also had received his 60-year pin for being a member of Branch # 352 in Des Moines.   He was also a member of the Indianola American Legion Post # 165.  Ray enjoyed woodworking, bowling and working.  He always seemed to have a part-time job (the employers are too numerous to mention) to provide a better life for his family.  Even during his stint in the Army, he worked as a waiter/kitchen helper.  At the age of 11 while residing in Washington, he worked in the berry fields during harvest.

Ray is survived by his son, Richard (Penny) Harwood; grandson, Richard "Buddy" (Lacy) Harwood; great-grandsons, Riley and Ryder Harwood; a brother and a sister and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Diana; parents; dear uncle Lloyd "Kit" and aunt Theresa Hager and his childhood buddy Eugene Mitchell.

Ray passed away Wednesday, April 10, 2024 in Des Moines.  Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., Sunday, April 14, 2024 at Overton Funeral Home in Indianola.  A private family service will be held at a later date in the Indianola I.O.O.F. Cemetery.   Memorials in memory of Ray, may be given to the Indianola American Legion Post # 165.