Mr. Rayford “Ray” William Darst, 82, of Galesburg, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at 11:45 p.m. Thursday, November 21, 2019 at the Knox County Nursing Home.
Ray was born September 2, 1937 in Smithfield, Illinois, the son of Clyde and Mildred (Morrison) Darst. He married Maxine Ilene Dawson on November 23, 1958 in Galesburg.
Ray is survived by his wife of nearly 61 years, Maxine of Galesburg; his sons, Steven E. Darst of Atlanta, Georgia, Roger E. (Jackie) Darst of Galesburg, and Russell C. Darst of Eustis, Florida; one sister, Garnet Cassell of Eustis, Florida; three grandchildren, Amy L. (Sean) Thomason of Land O Lakes, Wisconsin, Andrew D. (Jennifer) Darst of Gurnee, Illinois, Amanda E. (Nick) Shumaker of Knoxville, Illinois; and six great grandchildren, Henry and Olivia Thomason, Parker and Hailey Darst, and Mia and Isabella Shumaker. He was preceded in death by his parents and a son and daughter-in-law, Dale W. and Lori (Rodenhouser) Darst.
Ray worked as a stationary engineer for Gates Rubber Company for over 30 years. After Gates, he began working for Maytag Corporation for three years. Ray was a very active member of the United Rubber Workers Local #685.
Ray was a devoted member of the First Church of God and was helpful in the construction of the Harrison Street Church. He was an active chairperson serving on various boards and served as a Sunday school teacher. Ray attended the Church of God camp meetings in Anderson, Indiana. Ray traveled with the youth group on several Mexico Mission trips.
Cremation will be accorded. Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, December 6, 2019 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel. Memorial service will be 10 a.m. Saturday, December 7, 2019 at the First Church of God with Rev. Dennis McQuown and Rev. Lloyd Larson officiating. Burial will be in Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be made to First Church of God or Hospice Compassus. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
