Raymond "Ray" L. Nash

Raymond “Ray” L. Nash, 104, of Kewanee, died Thursday, April 6, 2023, at Hillcrest Home, Geneseo. Ray was born June 21, 1918, in Mineral Township, the son of William O. and Myrtle E. (Spears) Nash. Ray married Louretta Vergauwen on September 26, 1985; she preceded him in death on November 23, 2011.

Ray is survived by four children, David (Bonnie) Nash, Kewanee, Carolee (Joseph) Draminski, Kewanee, Gloria Craig, Texas, Raele Moore, Iowa; two step children, Marilyn Bryant, Kewanee, Charles (Vicki) Hechtner, Wyoming; nine grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren; and thirteen great great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; six siblings; two wives, Dorothy Nash and Louretta Nash; and a great grandson, Hunter Draminski.

Ray served his country in the Army during WWII from 1945-1947. He was a member of the 91st Infantry Division, 5th Army, under the command of Major General William Livesay. Ray was a member of the VFW, and the American Legion, Kewanee and in Florida. He worked as an operating engineer with the McNeill Asphalt Company for 35+ years, retiring in 1982. He wore many hats while working for McNeill’s, but he was known for his motor grader skills. Long before laser levels, he could eye the line without fault. Ray shaped our northwestern roadways. He was the best in the area, working on roads in Henry, Whiteside, Carroll, Bureau, and Stark counties. He prided himself in his operating abilities and the blacktop road between Galva Atkinson Blacktop and Route 82. Ray enjoyed staying active outdoors, swimming, biking, and playing shuffleboard. He enjoyed helping David harvest, clean equipment and garden. He also enjoyed traveling to Florida for the winters. He loved to dance at the Belgian Club with Dorothy, and he and Louretta won a contest at the VFW in Florida. Ray was a wonderful father and will be missed.

Graveside services will be at 10:30 am, Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at Floral Hill Cemetery, Neponset. Military Rites will be accorded by the Kewanee Veterans Council. Pastor Martin Gutzmer will officiate. Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice. Please leave an online condolence for Ray’s family at www.golnickschuenemanfh.com.

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