Donald Ray Obituary

Donald W. Ray, 83 of Maquon, passed away with his family at his side on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria.
Donald was born on November 18, 1941, in Farmington. He was the son of Waldo and Mildred (Van Hoose) Ray. He married the love of his life, Mary Jo Miller on June 1, 1963, at the Maquon United Methodist Church. Together, they celebrated 62 years of marriage. Donald is survived by his loving wife, Mary Jo; daughters, Stacey (Clint) Walker of Antioch, Tennessee and Sherry (Rod) McCoy of Maquon; four grandchildren, Allie (Cody) and Hannah (Tyler); great grandchildren, Walker, Elsie, Paisley and Tenley; brother-in-law, Dennis Parker; many nieces, nephews and great nieces and great nephews; and Kaydance, who he thought of as a granddaughter. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Bertha "Pookie" Thomas and Alice "Dizzy" Parker; and brother Waldo "Johnny" Ray.
Donald graduated from Valley High School. He worked for Gates Rubber Company for 36 years. Donald was also the best grill cook at the Feed Store in Maquon. He was a member of the Maquon Volunteer Fire Department. He was an avid Chicago Bear and Chicago Cub fan. He also loved deer hunting, fishing, mushroom hunting, bowling, and golfing. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family. Donald was the best husband, dad, papa, grandfather, and uncle.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, June 16, 2025, at the Maquon Cemetery, Maquon. Pastor Kris McMillan will officiate. Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes and Crematory are assisting the family with arrangements. Memorials may be made to the Maquon Fire Department. Expressions of sympathy may be left to the family at www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donald, please visit our floral store.