Raymond Cervantez, 92, of Galesburg, Illinois, died at 2:48 p.m. Friday, April 14, 2023 at home.
Ray was born December 22, 1930 in Galesburg, the son of Jesus and Socorro (Alvarez) Cervantez. Ray graduated from Galesburg High School in 1949 and joined the US Navy on May 23, 1951. While in the Navy, Ray served on the USS Adirondack, and was honorably discharged on May 17, 1955. Ray was united in marriage to Julie Sierra.
Ray is survived by his wife, Julie; his three children, Greg, Becky, and Jeff; and three sisters, Cecilia Shipp, Jennie (Mike) Pacheco, and Lucille (Wayne) Bergstad.
Ray worked for several years at Galesburg Malleable and in 1967 went to work for OMC Gale Products in Galesburg. In 1983 he was transferred to OMex, Juarez, Mexico, Division of OMC, for 16 months as a carburetor consultant and interpreter. Ray was a member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church and the Fr. J.O. Hunt Knights of Columbus Council 556. Ray loved being at home with his family and gardening. He also enjoyed coin collecting and watching westerns on television. Ray never met a stranger always being able to make friends easily. He loved Mt. Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial and always hoped to be able to return to South Dakota to see it after completion.
Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Monday, April 24, 2023 at Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens Mausoleum Chapel, Galesburg. No visitation is planned. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorials may be made in Ray’s memory to Fr. JO Hunt Knights of Columbus Council 556. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
