Raymond J Compton

Ray was born on December 20, 1923, at Peoria, IL, to James Finley and Mary "Marie" Elizabeth (Schaefer) Compton.   Ray married Betty Mae Stisser on October 5, 1947, at Peoria. She survives.

Also surviving are two children, Linda Rodriguez of Park Forest, IL and Michael (and Marie) Compton of Geneva, IL; a sister, Dorothy Wendland of Peoria; four nieces; one nephew and many grandnieces and grandnephews.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents and four brothers.

Ray worked for a few years at LeTourneau's and then for 20 years at Armour & Company, both of Peoria. Ray then worked for 13 years at American Distilling Company in Pekin, followed by 5 years at the Peoria School District 150.

Ray was honored when he was elected the first president of the West Peoria Homeowner's Association. He and Betty belonged to several square dancing and ballroom dancing clubs. Throughout their life together they enjoyed RV camping, travel and antiques. Ray was an avid wood worker and hobbyist. He built their home in Peoria and was always building and fixing things around the house.

Retiring in 1985, the Compton's spent winters in Mesa, AZ, and moved there permanently in 1992. 

His funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 28, 2012 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin, where visitation will be an hour and half prior to the funeral.  Interment will take place immediately afterwards at Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria.

Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 2501 Chatham Road, Suite 210, Springfield, IL 62704 or to the American Heart Association, Memorial & Tributes Lockbox, 3816 Paysphere Circle Chicago, IL 60674 or to any charity of your choosing.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com