Merle Edwin Ray

Merle Edwin Ray, 56, of Canton, passed away at OSF-St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, at 2:08 a.m. on Sunday, September 22, 2019. He was born January 1, 1963, in Havana to Arthur Eugene and Marilou Carolyn (Ortman) Ray. He married Theresye Raubun on April 2, 1995, in Canton. She survives. Mr. Ray is survived by his wife, Theresye, of Canton; mother, Marilou Gaw, of Havana; two brothers: Fred (Christy) Ray and Kris (Rebecca) Ray, both of Havana; sister: Heather (John) Spencer of Summum; two step-sons: Joshua (Michelle) Raubun of Canton and Kaleb (Reghan) Raubun of Kansas City, MO; and four grandchildren, Carly, Keegan, Ariana, and Gideon. He was preceded in death by his grandparents; father; three uncles: Arnie Ray, Cleo Ray and Kenny Ortman, as well as aunt Beulah. Mr. Ray served in the US Air Force for 10 years, as part of the Red Horse Division. He worked for both Intermet, in Havana and Excel Corporation in Beardstown. Cremation rites have been accorded and a memorial service will be held at 1st Assembly of God Church in Havana at 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 12 with visitation one hour prior to the services. Graveside services will be held at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Havana at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 12. VFW Post #6408 and American Legion Post #138 in Havana will provide a military detail. Memorial contributions may be made to Children’s Hospital of Illinois at OSF-St. Francis in Peoria. Hurley Funeral Home in Havana is in charge of arrangements.