Raymond David Worstell

CHARLESTON, IL – RaymondDavid Worstell, age 76 of Charleston and formerly of Newman, IL and Santa Ana,CA, joined the love of his life on Wednesday, September 11, 2013 while apatient at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center.   A Memorial Service honoring and celebrating hislife will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 15, 2013 at the ImmanuelLutheran Church located at 600 E. Northline Road in Tuscola, IL.  It is requested that thoughtful donations inhis honor be made to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation, 1359 Broadway, Suite1509, New York, NY 10018.  Adams FuneralChapel in Charleston is assisting the family with arrangements. 

Ray was born on July 25, 1937in Pesotum, IL, a son of the late Roy and Blanche (Corday) Worstell.  He married Patricia Simpson on June 15, 1964in Santa Ana and they shared 38 years of marriage prior to her death onSeptember 1, 2002.  He is survived byfour loving daughters, Angel Silva, Kerry Hanford and husband Steve and PennyEstrada and husband Joe, all of Reno, NV and Kamie Worstell of Newman, IL; 15grandchildren, Nikki Cox, Jamie Ibarra, Patrick Fillmore, Leo David Roberts,Jesse Ray Roberts, April Worstell, Johnathan Worstell, Adam, Ashton, Jacob,Alex and Avery Nieto, Michael, Mandie and Michelle Estrada; 30great-grandchildren and 13 great-great-grandchildren.  In addition to his parents and wife he waspreceded in death by a brother, Wilbur Worstell. 

Ray was a truck driver andfor many years drove for PFT Roberson, Inc. based out of Mahomet, IL.  He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Churchin Tuscola. 

Ray had a variety of interestand kept life interesting and fun.  Hisfavorite hobbies were race cars and fishing. His children have fond memories of growing up – from horseback riding tocatfish fries on Saturday nights.  Raywas known to say "I know a little about a lot and a lot about a little"; but tohis family - he was a hero.  He wasaffectionately known to some as "Pop" and to others as "Poppy" and his love forhis family and their love for him was evident. He was proud of his four grandsons, two who were war veterans of Iraqand Afghanistan, Michael – U.S. Marine Corps, John – United States Navy; andLeo – Army National Guard and Patrick – U.S. Navy.  Grandson Michael shared thoughts of hisgrandfather and a message to his family in the following words:  "Be still and know that I am there" Psalms46:10.  This verse kept me hopeful in mydark time in Afghanistan.  I pray you letthis word resonate in your mind and remember we must not worry about worldlythings.  As "Pop" passed away tonight Iknow for certain he was calm in the light. Looking into God's eyes and finding peace in the idea of eternallife.  Keep this in your heart in thedays to come and remember, family isn't only about the past – it happens right now.  Don't think you are alone - reach out to oneanother.  "Ask and it will be given"Matthew 7:7.  God loves us all and doeswhat is necessary.  It is not always easybut is for the greater reward of our eternal life.  Amen and I love each and every one of you somuch.