Ray Stanton Bair

1926 - 2024

Ray Stanton Bair of Elkhart, Indiana, was welcomed by parents Homer and Cora Bair, Mahoning County, Ohio, on Oct. 29, 1926. He departed this world on Nov. 24, 2024. He was 98.

Ray left behind children Daniel (Peggy) Bair, Forest City, North Carolina, Rebekah (Rocko) Smucker, Asheville, North Carolina, Joy (Ron) Martin, Apex, North Carolina, and James (Maggie) Bair, Elkhart, Indiana; sister-in-law Ann (Lowell) Schrock, New Carlisle, Indiana; seven grandchildren, five nieces and nephews, and six great-grandchildren. Ray was preceded in death by his wife, Lillian, parents Homer and Cora Bair, sister Josephine Swope and grandson Seth Bachtel.

Ray had a competitive spirit and enjoyed many sports. He met Lillian Rita Oswald while a lad. They became teenage sweethearts, married in 1948, and continued life's journey together for over 75 years until Lillian's death on Dec. 24, 2023. Following graduation from Goshen College, Goshen, Indiana, in 1947, Ray worked as a traveling ambassador for the college. Ray and Lillian moved to Louisville, Ohio, in 1951, where Ray was assistant pastor at Beech Mennonite Church. Subsequent moves were made to Pennsylvania to work for Mennonite Central Committee, back to Ohio, and finally to Elkhart, Indiana, in 1962, where Ray served as pastor at Belmont Mennonite Church. The family of six lived in the parsonage and then the house next door where Ray and Lillian continued to live until moving to Hubbard Hill, Elkhart, in 2023.

Ray worked steadfastly to continue to learn and be a good steward. He began selling insurance in 1967. He worked with the Urban League and H.O.M.E. organizations in Elkhart. Ray stepped down as pastor in 1979 but continued serving the Belmont church and community in various capacities. He completed his Doctor of Divinity degree at Garrett-Theological Evangelical Seminary, Evanston, Illinois, in 1994. He also received certification as a master gardener. His backyard gardens were a sight to behold and provided healthy produce for his family and community.

Ray loved his faith, family and community deeply. The feel of his fervent hugs will long be remembered.

A memorial service will be held on Jan. 4 at 4 p.m. at Belmont Mennonite Church with a meal to follow. A backup date of Jan. 11 will be held in case of bad weather.

Memorial donations may be made to Mennonite Mission Network, Mennonite Central Committee, or Belmont Church Love Fund.