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Obituary index
 Dean
F. Ray
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[November 08, 2025]
TAYLORVILLE —
Dean F. Ray, 77 of Taylorville, passed away on Tuesday, November 4,
2025, at Springfield Memorial Hospital. He was born on March 21,
1948, in Lincoln, the son of Kenneth Bernard and Norma Mae (Clark)
Ray.
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Service:
The family will host a celebration of life, also on
Friday, November 21, from 3:00 pm until 6:00 pm at
the American Legion in Taylorville.
Funeral home:
McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services
Obituary
Dean F. Ray, 77 of
Taylorville, passed away on Tuesday, November 4,
2025, at Springfield Memorial Hospital. He was born
on March 21, 1948, in Lincoln, the son of Kenneth
Bernard and Norma Mae (Clark) Ray.
He married Jan Zumwalt and they later divorced. He
later married Kathleen Fleming on December 11, 1987,
in Las Vegas.
Dean proudly served in the U.S. Army as a 1st
Lieutenant Military Intelligence Officer in Vietnam.
He worked in the insurance industry for many years
and owned and operated D. F. Ray Insurance
Associates.
Dean was an extremely civic-minded person who gave
back to his community in many ways. He was a member
and past Commander of the American Legion Post 73,
also serving on the Honor Guard for many years. He
was a life member of the V.F.W. Post 4495. Dean was
an active member of the Taylorville Kiwanis Club,
having served in many capacities including
President, and was selected as Kiwanian of the year.
He was instrumental in starting up Kiwanis Park at
Lake Taylorville. He was a member of Mound Lodge 122
A.F. & A.M., Ansar Shrine, and Christian County
Shrine Club. In high school, Dean played the drums,
and his love of music continued as a member of the
band “D.J.’s”. He will be remembered for his smile
and quick wit.
He is survived by his wife: Kathy Ray of
Taylorville; son: Zack Ray (Jeremiah) of Brooklyn,
New York; brother: Terry Ray of Winfield, Illinois;
sisters-in-law: Suzzy Cocagne, Marty Sanders, and
Helga Fleming all of Taylorville; and several nieces
and nephews. He was preceded in death by his
parents.
Dean will be cremated,
and a graveside committal service will take place at
10:00 am on Friday, November 21, 2025, at Camp
Butler National Cemetery in Springfield. The family
will host a celebration of life, also on Friday,
November 21, from 3:00 pm until 6:00 pm at the
American Legion in Taylorville.
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Memorials may be made to
American Legion Post 73.
The family would like to
extend their sincere appreciation to the staff at
Springfield Memorial Hospital for the exceptional care they
provided to Dean. McClure Funeral Home and Cremation
Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with
arrangements. |
