Wilbur Donald “Don” Ray, 91, passed away Sunday morning, July 7, 2024 surrounded by family. Don was born December 6, 1932 in Monmouth Illinois to Wilbur and Doris (Bullwinkle) Ray. Don was the oldest of 5 children and developed his love of farming and family at an early age. Don started farming with his Dad and farmed in Warren County and never retired. Don married Harriet Albin December 23, 1961 in Warrensburg, Illinois. She passed away on June 29, 2020. Don graduated from Monmouth High School in 1951 and took an agriculture short course at the University of Illinois. Don served in the Army in the Korean Conflict. He was proud of his military service and received the Army good conduct medal. Don told many stories of his military experiences, including sleeping outside in Germany 2 winters without tents, basic training in Fort Ord, California, trips throughout Europe, and the troop ships. Don was a lifelong member of Fairview Center United Methodist Church and the Faithful Followers Sunday School class. Don was a member of the Farm Bureau and served on the FS Board of Directors for many years. Don won State and Local awards for his farm conservation efforts. Don was known by the local Farm Service Agency as the “King of CRP” in Warren County. Don received the Conservation Farm Family Award from the Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts in 2007. He also won the conservation family of the year in 2023. Don was a member of the Maple City Antique Tractor Club and enjoyed many tractor drives and social events.
Don is survived by brother, Wayne (Beth) Ray, sisters Joyce Talley and Jane (Don) Dolieslager; sons Doug (Sue) Ray of Princeton and Mark (Abbie) Ray of Carthage and daughter in law, Carrie Ray of Naperville, and 11 grandchildren and several great grandchildren. Preceding Don in death were his parents, wife Harriet, daughter Karen, son Jeff, and sister Mary Ann.
A funeral service is planned at 11:00 am on Saturday July 13, 2024 at Fairview United Methodist Church. Interment and Military Honors will follow in the Lenox Union Cemetery. His family plans visitation and will receive friends at the Fairview Church from 9:30 am to 11:00 prior to the funeral service on Saturday. In Lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to Fairview Center Church or Warren County Special Olympics. Turnbull Funeral Homes is in charge of arrangements.
