The funeral for former Governor Robert Ray is Friday, but Iowans who wish to pay their respects in person are being encouraged to go to the Iowa capitol today (Thursday) as Ray lies in state there this evening. “There’s a balance between the public observance of an individual who is legendary in his legacy of impact and also allowing a family the private time to grieve their husband, father and grandfather.”

That’s Scott Raecker, director of the Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University Ray’s casket will be borne into the capitol late this (Thursday) afternoon by members of the Iowa National Guard, the Iowa Highway Patrol and the Des Moines Police Department. He will lie in state and the public may file by Ray’s casket starting at 5:30 p.m. Raecker offers this, on behalf of the late governor’s family.

“Just a very sincere thank you to all of the Iowans, those across the country and, in fact, the world who have shown just such a demonstrable outpouring of love and support for their family at this time,” Raecker said, “and they’re very appreciative of that.”

David Oman served as Ray’s chief of staff. He says Iowans who were 18-year-old voters during Ray’s last campaign are now 58, so there are generations of Iowans who were not familiar with Ray’s accomplishments as governor. “Some Iowans have learned for the first time all of the things that he did and other Iowans have been reminded or relearned his record, which has triggered an outpouring of support and appreciation on social media,” Oman said.

Governor Ray died Sunday. He was 89. Former Iowa Governors Tom Vilsack and Chet Culver will join Governor Kim Reynolds in the statehouse rotunda tonight (Thursday) as the Ray family assembles for the public ceremony honoring the man who served 14 years as governor.

Former Governor Terry Branstad is flying back to Iowa from China, where he is serving as U.S. Ambassador, to attend events honoring Ray. Iowa National Guard Adjutant General Timothy Orr has flown back early from meetings in Washington, D.C. to be Mrs. Ray’s official escort in events over the next two days.

(Radio Iowa)