Born September 29, 1926 in Pekin to Clyde and Marian (Ozella) Bennett, he married Betty Waechter on May 20, 1950 in Pekin. She preceded him in death on January 10, 2011.
Also preceding in death were his parents; 1 grandson; and 1 sister.
Surviving are 4 sons, Michael (Janice) Bennett of Columbia, Maryland, Patrick (Norma Davis) Bennett of San Antonio, Texas, Mark (Linda) Bennett of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Brett (Angi) Bennett of Pekin; 1 daughter, Teri Seward of Atlanta, Missouri; 10 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; and 1 brother, Walter Bennett of Pekin
He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
Ray worked for Keystone Steel and Wire Company in Bartonville for 26 years, retiring in 1988.
Ray was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin. He was charter member of Knights of Columbus Archbishop Schlarman Council #3507 in Pekin, where he also was a fourth degree member of Assembly 210.
He was an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears.
His funeral will be at 10 a.m. Friday, May 3, 2013 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.
Military honors will be accorded by the U.S. Navy.
Memorial contributions may be made to OSF Hospice, 2265 West Altorfer Drive, Peoria, IL 61615.
To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com
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