Ray Utterback

Elmer Ray Utterback, known as "Ray" to everyone, passed away on February 12, 2026, at the age of 92. Born in Washington, Indiana, on February 3, 1934, to Ora Olan and Opal Evelyn (Painter) Utterback, Ray grew up surrounded by the natural beauty of the countryside. His early years on a farm, filled with animals and the freedom of biking on country roads, fostered his lifelong love of nature and the outdoors. Ray loved animals, and when he was a kid, he found an injured baby squirrel who he named Elmer and nursed back to health. Eventually, the squirrel lived on his own in the yard but always responded when Ray called his name.

Ray served his country in the US Army in Korea before earning his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) at Purdue University. His career spanned 30 years at Naval Avionics, where he designed electrical circuits and traveled across the United States.

In his personal life, Ray was a loving husband and father. He married Judy, with whom he raised two children, Gina and Lance. Later in life, he remarried Rita, with whom he shared a joyful life filled with socializing, bird-watching, and exploring Eagle Creek and all of Indiana's State parks. They enjoyed traveling and went to Europe and took driving trips to other states. They fell in love with New Smyrna Beach, Florida, where they spent 22 years escaping the cold Indiana winters. They loved hosting family, meeting new friends, and creating lasting memories walking places like Dunes Park and the Canaveral seashore.

Ray had a variety of interests and enjoyed learning. He enjoyed antiquing and was an avid fan of Purdue and the Pacers. He had a unique way of enjoying games, watching them on TV with the sound off while listening to the radio for a more detailed presentation. He cherished spending time with family and friends, and he was always ready to make new friends.

Ray was preceded in death by his loving wife, Rita Utterback, his parents, and several family members, including his brother Jack Olan Utterback and sister Ruth Jones.

A Memorial Visitation will be held at Leppert Mortuary-Carmel Chapel, (900 N. Rangeline Rd., Carmel, IN 46032) on Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. This will be followed by a Celebration of Life at the same venue at 2:00 pm. Inurnment follows at Carmel Cemetery. Ray's fun and curious attitude will be remembered by all who knew him.

Online condolences available at www.leppertmortuary.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to New Smyrna Beach Marine Turtle Conservancy (https://nsbturtletrackers.org/product/make-donation/).