Raymond "Ray" Earl Downer

Born January 11, 1936 in Quincy, Michigan to Mahlon and Arlene (Barlow) Downer, he married Kathleen “Kathy” Ann Hosek on December 7, 1957 in Coldwater, Michigan.

Surviving are his wife of 65 years; two daughters, Debbi Wendel of Tremont and Lori (Ray) Weeks of Washington; one son, Jeff (Susan) Downer of North Pekin; one grandson, Aaron (Annie) Weeks of Pekin; one step-grandson, Derek (Caitlyn) Salisbury of Dawson; one step-granddaughter, Rachel (Kyle) Proper of Pekin and four step-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one granddaughter, Alexis “Lexi” Wendel, two brothers and two sisters.

Raymond retired in 1998 from Caterpillar, Inc. in Pontiac after 39 years of service working as a Senior Project Engineer.

He was an honorary member of Pi Tau Sigma Engineering Fraternity at Michigan State University where he graduated with a BA in Mechanical Engineering. He was also a former member of the Marquette Heights Jaycees and served as past president of the Georgetown District 102 School Board.

Ray enjoyed spending time with his family, playing golf and woodworking.

He was a former member of First Presbyterian Church in Pekin where he served as an Elder and treasurer for 11 years. He was a current member of Tremont United Methodist Church.

His memorial service will be at 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. David Taylor will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Inurnment will be at Prairie Haven Cemetery in Pekin.

In honor of his granddaughter, Lexi, memorial contributions may be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Midwest Affiliate, 530 Northeast Glen Oak Avenue, Peoria, Illinois 61637.

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