Raymond F. DeMay
July 21, 1927 ~ February 21, 2021
Raymond F. DeMay, 93, of Princeton, Illinois passed away Sunday, February 21, 2021 at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Cremation rites will be accorded and a memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 27, 2021 at St. Louis Catholic Church, Princeton, Illinois with Father Tim Hepner officiating with the assistance of Deacon John Murphy. Due to Covid-19 masks will be required. The funeral Mass can be viewed online at facebook.com/stlouisprinceton (a Facebook account is not required for viewing). Military Rites will be conducted by the Princeton Veteran's Group following the service. Burial will take place at a later date.
Ray was born July 21, 1927 in Kewanee, IL the son of Frank A. and Mary (Standard) DeMay.
He married Dolores Kane on June 24, 1950 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Sheffield. She was the mother of his five children. She preceded him in death September 8, 1981. He married Vicky Nitz Finn July 1, 1983 in Kewanee, IL. She survives in Princeton.
Also surviving are five children: John (Margo) DeMay of Princeton, Tom (Annette) DeMay of Sheffield, Susanne McLain of Wheeling, IL , Lauri (John) Thompson of Ladd, IL, and James (Debbie) DeMay of Minonk, IL; three step-children: Shelley (Keith) Barnett of Princeton, Kris (Steve) Reinbeck of Princeton, and Steven (Hermoine) Reece of Virginia Beach, Virginia; 20 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; one sister, Dorothy Runft of Sheffield; and his favorite pet, Aggie.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Dolores; one brother-in law, William Runft, one son- in law, Mike McLain, and two great-grandchildren.
He graduated from Sheffield High School with the Class of 1947.
Ray was employed 30 years by FS in Sheffield. In addition to his work at FS he worked as a plumber. He spent many years as an IHSA official for football and basketball. He also delivered flowers for Flowers By Julia.
He was a member of the Sheffield Knights of Columbus, Red Cross, Princeton Moose Lodge, and the H.F. Hortz American Legion #415 in Sheffield.
Ray was a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Bears fan. He spent a lot of his time following and attending his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren's activities.
Ray served in the Army Air Force from 1945 -1947 as a corporal.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Hall Deeds in care of Hall High School, St. Louis Catholic Church, Princeton Moose Lodge, or the donor's choice.
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Sending my deepest condolences & prayers to the family
Sorry to hear about Uncle Ray. We send you our condolences. Since we are one of those snow birds we will not be able to attend the funeral mass.
When I was at Norberg Memorial Home, Ray was always a delight to talk to. He always had a smile on his face. I thought a lot of Ray. Ray may liking him as easy as breathing, and was just fun to be around. “Ray was a good egg”. I am sorry to hear that he passed away.
My deepest sympathies to all the family at this very difficult time. Ray was a wonderful man and will be missed by many. Sending my thoughts and prayers to you all.