Raymond Samuel Oliver

Ray was born August 18, 1940 in East Chicago, Indiana and grew up in Decatur, Illinois with his 3 siblings. His parents, Samuel and Stella (Sapyta) Oliver preceded him in death.

Ray was an aeronautical engineering graduate of the University of Illinois and initially worked for McDonnell Douglas (Boeing) Aircraft in St. Louis, Missouri. Ray spent the bulk of his career with U.S. Army Aviation working on the Apache and Blackhawk helicopters until his retirement from civil service in 1995.

Ray Oliver is survived by his son Michael R. Oliver of Peoria and daughter Nancy E. Oliver of St. Louis, as well as his sisters Pam Fabish and Janet Martin. Sister Gaynelle Romanas preceded Ray in death. He is also survived by his brothers-in-law Chuck Fabish and Bill Romanas who enjoyed lunch together for many years. Ray loved “lunch” and almost never missed Saturday lunch with his son and 4 grandchildren (Catherine (24), Thomas (22), Meredith (19), and Nathan (17) Oliver).

He found great joy in watching his grandchildren grow up and was always excited to hear what was new in their lives.

Ray was a lifelong learner and especially loved issues involving protection of the environment and the preservation of the planet. His curiosity about new subjects was surpassed only by his love for his family which is what kept him going for so many years. He has supported many causes over his lifetime; everything from Bread for the World to local land protection trusts.

Even though extremely frugal, Ray supported clean air and the environment in every way he could. We appreciate everything he did for us as well as our Earth.

A visitation/remembrance of life is planned (the day after Thanksgiving) on Friday November 24th from 3:30pm to 5:30pm at Davison-Fulton-Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made in Ray's name to the Sierra Club or the Nature Conservancy.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Woolsey-Wilton.com for the Oliver family.