L. Ray Gordon
March 6, 1952 - July 20, 2019
PEKIN ~ Louis Ray Gordon, 67, of Pekin, passed away at 1:10 a.m. Saturday, July 20, 2019 at his residence.
Born March 6, 1952 in Bloomington to William Arthur and Estella (Rawlings) Gordon, he married Judy Hall King on June 20, 1992 in Pekin. She survives.
Also surviving are his father, William Arthur Gordon of East Peoria; one son, Matt (Carrie) King of Farmington; one daughter, Jennifer (Daryl) Selock of Elk Grove Village; and four grandchildren, Owen Selock, Nolan Selock, Emery King and Elliott King. He also leaves his sister-in-law, Susan Gordon, niece, Jamie Gordon and nephews, Aric and Logan Gordon, all of Corpus Christi, Texas.
Ray was preceded in death by his mother and one brother, James Michael "Mike" Gordon.
Ray had worked as a graphic designer for International Paper for many years. He later worked for Key Industries in East Peoria and then as a free-lance designer.
He was a member of the Grace United Methodist Church in Pekin. For many years, he enjoyed being the "potato guy" as he helped with the church's Potato Bar fundraiser at the Pekin Marigold Festival.
Ray cherished his family and adored his grandchildren. He also loved spending time with his beloved dog Boaz. His grandchildren lovingly referred to him as Papa Dog.
He was a Past Master of Pekin Lodge #29. He had been a member of the Empire Lodge 126, Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of Pekin. He also had been a member of the Scottish Rite Bodies, Valley of Peoria and received the Meritorious Service Award in June of this year. He was a member of the York Rite; Pekin Chapter, Pekin Council and Peoria Commandry as well as the York Rite College. He was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star Mystic Tie 245 and an advisor for Fides DeMolay. He was a council member of Job’s Daughters Bethel 55 in Pekin and received the Distinguished Order of Job's Daughters Award. In addition to his service to these organizations, he produced numerous publications for the Scottish Rite newsletter and the York Rite.
His memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 24, 2019 at Grace United Methodist Church in Pekin. Rev. Eric N. Swanson will officiate. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Wednesday at the church. Immediately following visitation, Masonic Rites will be performed. Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin. Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin is assisting the family with arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be given to the American Heart Association at 2141 W. White Oaks Dr., Suite A, Springfield, IL 62704.