Raymond David King's Obituary
Raymond David King of Decatur, IL, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, June 7, 2026, in his family home surrounded by his family.
There will be a visitation at Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home at 2091 N. Oakland Avenue, Decatur, IL 62526 on Monday, June 22, 2026, from 5-8 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Saint James Catholic Church 742 E. Clay St, Decatur, IL, 62521.
Raymond was born on September 24, 1945, to Raymond L. and Florence King.
Raymond loved riding his bike and playing with his best friend Rich Barber and his sister, Ann, and was known as Padlock Pete. He continued his friendship with Rich into adulthood. Raymond was very close to his brother, Richard, and they spent a lot of time together. He was especially fond of his baby sister, Frances. They were always there for each other and had a very special bond; he always referred to her as his baby sister. Raymond loved and looked after all his siblings and loved them dearly. He was taught by his Father at an early age to look out for everyone and make sure everyone was taken care of and he took care of his family all his life.
Raymond graduated from Lakeview High School in 1963.
Raymond served in the United States Navy, including during the Vietnam War; he was so proud of his service to this country.
Raymond met Ruth Laraine Austin in 1962 and was so proud to be adopted by the Austin family when he was 17 years old. His father and mother-in-law helped him graduate from high school and sent him care packages while he was overseas. That touched him deeply and he said that story to everyone.
Raymond and Ruth were married at Saint James Catholic Church on October 12, 1968. She truly was the love of his life and he loved her forever.
Raymond was a member of Saint James Catholic Church; a faithful servant who loved the Lord.
Raymond worked for IDOT for twenty plus years and retired from there. He met his best friend, Todd Wilson, during his time there. Raymond loved going to church, tinkering in his garage, watching Westerns and musicals, woodworking, coloring with his kids and grandkids, having a good home cooked meal, going to dog shows, and mowing the entire neighborhood just to be kind. He enjoyed being a Cub Scout leader and helping others. Raymond and Ruth did a lot of volunteering at St. James Catholic Church and School and thought it was important to show support for their children's school.
Raymond loved his big trucks and campers. He enjoyed camping and bluegrass music; he would go to the Bill Monroe Blue Grass Festival in Bean Blossom, Indiana every year. Raymond and Ruth started going to the Muny Opera in St. Louis, Mo, when they were courting and he continued that tradition with his children and grandchildren.
Raymond was truly the most faithful man and took care of everyone. Raymond had a kind heart and would always make you laugh! His smile lit up the room, and he overcame many obstacles with his health, but it never slowed him down. He had incredible determination to live. He would always say, "I'm going to push as hard as I can push, put one foot in front of the other and go forward." Raymond's great determination was inspiring to everyone who knew him.
Raymond was mostly proud of his family and he loved being with them. Raymond enjoyed going to school plays, concerts, and activities for his children and grandchildren. Raymond was faithful, loving, caring, giving, respectful, trustworthy, and hardworking. We are the lucky ones to have had him as ours.
Raymond leaves behind his children: Ruth, Charlotte (Michael), John (Frances), Joseph (Tanya), Elizabeth (Steve); Sisters: Frances (John), Roberta (Jim), Rita (Jim); Brothers: Frank (Robin), Chris, Roy, Richard (Julia), and Raymond (Shelley); Grandchildren: Tiffany (Brad), Mikayla (Luke), John, Katelyn, Zachary (MaRiya), Hannah, Austin (Janey), Haley, Joseph Jr., Madison, Amber (Dylan), Stevie and Malik; Great-Grandchildren: Jade, Abel, Penelope, Layla, Oliver, Magnolia (coming in July), Aylah, Elliott, Junior, Havanna, Raelynne, Ella, Brooklynn, and Audrey; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Raymond was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth; Grandson: Tyler; Parents: Raymond L. and Florence King; Sister: Ann; Brother: Richard; Father and Mother-in-law: Roy and Ruth Austin; Sister-in-Law: Becky; and special friend and neighbor: Miss Pat.
Raymond was cared for faithfully by his daughter, Elizabeth, and son-in-law, Steve, towards the end of his life. They would help feed him when he couldn't feed himself, arranged all the nursing appointments, and took care of making sure he was safe. They had the hardest conversations with him when speaking about the end of life and held his hand when he was scared. They opened their home to everyone who wanted to visit him. The other four siblings will be eternally grateful for the love and sacrifice they gave our dad.
The family of Raymond would like to thank Elara Care and Comfort Keepers for the care they gave Raymond. He was especially fond of his nurse, Alice. We appreciate the loving care everyone provided.
Fly high with the angels and watch over us, until we meet again.
We love you Dad, Grandpa, and Great-Grandpa.
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