Raymond H. "Ray" Esker (85) of Effingham

Raymond H. “Ray” Esker, 85, of Effingham, IL, passed away on Friday, August 7, 2020 at Willowbrook in Effingham, IL.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 11, 2020 at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham. Burial will be in Oak Ridge Cemetery in Effingham. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Tuesday prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Online condolences may be shared by clicking here.

Ray was born on May 18, 1935, in Watson, IL, the son of Aloysius and Louise (Probst) Esker. Ray was a 1954 graduate of Teutopolis High School. During his time in school he participated in tennis as well as serving on the varsity cheering squad. After graduation, Ray enlisted in the United States Navy and served in the Pacific on the USS Los Angeles based at the Long Beach Naval Base. He married Georgia “Jo” Jackson on October 27, 1954 in Springfield, IL. She preceded him in death on October 31, 2012. Ray was a building contractor for many years here in Effingham County as one of the principles in Esker and Jurgens Contractors. They developed multiple subdivisions throughout the Effingham Area. Ray was an avid golfer and hunter in his earlier years and also enjoyed woodworking and painting. Ray was active in the church community and faithfully served the Lord.

Ray is survived by his children, Lori (Robert) Smothers and Ralph Esker both of Effingham, and Julia May of Greenwood, IN; grandchildren, Christina Pruett, Angela McDaniel, Jennifer Davis, Michael Esker, Amanda Rodriguez, and Rebecca Raker; great-grandchildren, Caydin Vaughn, Madison McDaniel, Makala McDaniel, Emily Hale, Nathan Hale, Devon Rodriguez, Kaitlyn Zeigler, Jeremy Irish, Layla Irish, Rex Parkerson, Aurora Raker, Manessah Esker, and Nehemiah Esker; sister, Joyce Koeberlein; and brother, Gene Esker.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Georgia; granddaughter, Rachel Parkerson; and greatgrandson, Jeremy Hale.