Ray Lafayette Stokes

Ray Lafayette Stokes, 79, of Germantown Hills, IL, passed away due to complications from a heart attack and pneumonia at 5:41 pm on Thursday, October 19, 2023, at Carle Health-Methodist in Peoria, IL.

He was born on February 9, 1944, in Peoria, IL, to Ray J. and Margaret (Johnson) Stokes. He married Deborah Jones on July 4, 1979 in Peoria.

Surviving are his wife, Deborah of Germantown Hills; son, Anthony Stokes of East Peoria, IL; daughter, Jennifer (Patrick Ryan) Stokes of East Peoria, IL; daughter, Angela (Ron) Ingram of Forsyth, IL; daughter-in-law, Amy Berkhahn; and grandchildren, Natalie Behrll and Maggie “Leo” Behrll, Spencer Pittman, Audrey Ingram and Maureen Ingram, Parker Ryan, and Brittany and Ashley Berkhahn. He was preceded in death by his parents, son Rusty Stokes, and siblings Alice Stokes, Harry (Inez) Pethick, Bea (Jerry) Rokita, Grace (David) Blankenship, and Bill (Jerry) Pethick.

Ray attended Manual High School. Over his life, he worked for Caterpillar, and then 35 years in the wire mill at Keystone Steel and Wire where he met his true love, Deborah. He was kind-hearted, authentic, and loving. His family truly meant everything to him and he was an inspiration to countless people. He will be missed, but would want everybody to enjoy their lives and laugh any chance they can.

Funeral Services will be held at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, October 25, 2023 at Mason Funeral Home Germantown Hills Chapel, 375 Old Germantown Road, Germantown Hills, with Pastor Chris Schaffner officiating.  Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm until service time. A private graveside service for immediate family will be held at Springdale Cemetery in Peoria the next day. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the American Diabetes Association, Central Illinois Chapter, 2501 Chatham Road, Suite 210, Springfield, IL 62704. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

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