Michael Edward (Ed) Ray

Michael Edward “Ed” Ray, age 63, of Kansas, IL formerly of Villa Grove, IL and Tuscola, IL passed away on Friday, May 8, 2020 at his home in rural Kansas, IL.  He was born March 17, 1957 in Clinton, IL, the son of Albert George Ray and Hilda Lillian Winebrinner Ray.  On September 6, 1975 he married Marsha Lee Wilson in Tuscola, IL; she passed away on July 4, 2018. 

Survivors include his son, Charles Ray of Rantoul, IL; daughter, Jennifer Ray of Kansas, IL; siblings, Mary Ann Boyd of Atlanta, IL; Roger Ray (Robin) of Villa Grove, IL; Kent Coppenbarger (Ruth) of Bonnots Mill, MO; Richard Coppenbarger (Shirley) of Decatur, IL; Judy Welch (Dave) of Troy, IL and many nephews and nieces.  He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Marsha Ray; brothers, Charles David Simpkins; Georgie Ronald Ray and sister, Betty Lou Ray.

Ed was a 1975 graduate of Villa Grove High School.  He proudly served his country for over 10 years in the US Army during operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield. He later earned two degrees from Parkland College.  Ed was employed by Eastern Illinois University for over 16 years in maintenance. He attended the Kansas Christian Church and was a member of the Charleston VFW.  Ed was a lifetime member of DAV and NRA and enjoyed hunting, fishing and woodworking. 

Due to current social restrictions and our concern for family and friends, services in honor of Ed will be limited to immediate family only.  Burial will be in Richwoods Cemetery, Westfield, IL

Memorial donations may be made to Huntington’s Disease Society of America, 505 Eighth Avenue, Suite 902, New York, NY 10018.

To view the full obituary, send a condolence message, light a candle or post photos, visit www.markwellfuneralhome.com.  Markwell Funeral Home of Casey – Westfield, IL is in charge of the arrangements.

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