Raymond Joseph Panyard

Raymond "Ray" Joseph Panyard, age 74, of Fort Wayne, Indiana passed away Thursday, June 4, 2026. He was born on December 26, 1951, in Fort Wayne, Indiana to Jerome Charles Panyard, Jr. and Carol (Lee) Panyard.

He graduated from Central Catholic High School, and was a graduate of the American Truck Driving School in Coldwater, Michigan where he obtained his CDL Class A/Hazmat Certification. He went on to drive trucks for U.S. Foods and Carter Express, Inc.

Ray will be remembered by his family and friends as a true outdoorsman. Over the years he spent time fishing, hunting, boating, snowmobiling, and was an avid bird watcher, spoiling his back yard, feathered friends with full feeders daily! He also had a passion for cooking and often prepared family meals. At any social gathering you could be sure to find Ray surrounded by giggling kids and happy dogs as he would always make time to play. As the only boy in the family his sisters doted on him and encouraged him to travel and included him on countless shopping trips and outings. He was a loyal friend and neighbor and you could count on him meeting up with them for breakfast.

Ray will be dearly missed by his three loving sisters, Donna (Kenneth Sr.) Yarnelle of Auburn; Deborah Lothamer of Fort Wayne; Pamela Williams of Texas. Nephews Kenneth (Geneva) Yarnelle Jr. and Eric (Lauren) Williams; Nieces Kendra Hinman (Eric Miller) and Emily (Andrew) Scott; Great Nephews Boden, Dylan, Sam, Trey, Jack, and Reid; Great Nieces Nicole, Clea, Kenlee, Emily, Riley, Cameron, and Korie.

He was preceded in death by his parents Carol June (Lee) and Jerome Charles Panyard Jr. and Brother-in-Law Brian K. Lothamer.

A private family service will be held and burial at Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Ray's memory to Ronald McDonald House.

Arrangements by D.O. McComb and Sons Pine Valley Park Funeral Home, 1320 E. Dupont Road, Fort Wayne, IN.