Raymond H. McPhearson

Raymond H. McPhearson, age 90 of Elwood, passed away surrounded by his family on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at his home following a long, blessed life.  He was born Oct. 15, 1933 in Elwood, the son of George and Cleva (Smith) McPhearson.  He was a 1951 graduate of Frankton High School.  Ray married the love of his life, Elizabeth Cole on March 20, 1954, and they spent over 65 years of marriage together until her passing in 2019.  He retired in 1996 from Red Gold in Orestes where he worked in production for several years.  Ray also formerly worked at Monticello Corporation, Nicholson File Company, and Ex-Cello Corporation.  Ray was a longtime member of Heartland Ministries Church in Tipton.  He especially enjoyed being outdoors and taking care of his property.  Ray loved fishing and looking for turtles and regularly fed squirrels from his front porch.  Before her passing, he cherished taking daily walks with Elizabeth.  More than anything, Ray loved to spend time with all his family, and he will be dearly missed.

Ray’s family includes 3 children, Michael (wife Sue) McPhearson of Fort Worth, TX, Marsha (husband Jon) Kreps of Elwood, and Mary Sizelove of Elwood; 5 grandchildren, Greg (wife Jamie) McPhearson, Kelly Bixby, Mitch Coots (fiancé Cheyanne Ball), Ashley (wife Venus) Sizelove, and Chelsea (husband Steve) Casas; 7 great-grandchildren, Dylan Coots, Melanie Mosier, Jaydan McPhearson, Kelsey Bixby, Cayden Casas, Luke Bixby, and Cam Casas; special brother-in-law, Sonny (wife Judy) Cole of Frankton; special nephew, Bob (wife Ethel) Morris of Elwood; and several nieces and nephews.  Ray was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Elizabeth McPhearson; and 9 siblings, Uva Farr, Evelyn Crothers, Althea Williams, Louise Morris, Marvin McPhearson, Arnold McPhearson, Sis McKinley, Bud McPhearson, and Delbert McPhearson.

A funeral service celebrating Ray’s life will be conducted at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Rev. Bill Salsbery of Heartland Church, officiating.  Burial will follow in Forrestville Cemetery in rural Summitville.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm prior to the service on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home.   Memorial contributions are suggested to Heartland Ministries Church.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.copherfeslermay.com.