Larry Raymer

1951 - 2023

Larry Raymer

May 2, 1951 - December 18, 2023

Caseyville, Illinois - Larry Ray Raymer, 72, born in E. St. Louis IL to Luin & Alvia (Sollars) Raymer. Larry, a phenomenal musician, singer, husband, father, and friend to all, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by his loving family. Larry's life was a melody of love, faith, family, and music.

Preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Leon, Rance, Tommy, and Bobby, sisters Lois, Anita, Jeanette, Linda, and great grandson Jaxon Robert Berry.

Larry and his beloved wife Mandy (Bonvicino) shared 26 amazing years of love, joy and happiness. Along with the love of his life Mandy, Larry's legacy will live on through his son Presley Raymer of Caseyville IL, his two daughter's Jerri (Dave) Grommet Murphy of Caseyville IL and Jenny (Brian) Krueger of Pensacola FL. Five grandkids Eric (Ashley) of MO, Jake (Hailey) Berry of Staunton IL, Amber (Anthony) Ford of Collinsville IL, Emily of North Carolina, Elizabeth Krueger of Carbondale IL. Nine great grandchildren Rori, Landon, Emma, Eliett, Levi, Holly, Hannah, Beau, Lilly. A brother Jimmy Raymer of Cahokia IL. Sister-in-law Lara (Mark) McCord of Ballwin Mo.

Wonderful friends Jim & Janet Terry of Edwardsville IL, George Kirk of Caseyville IL, Keith Domescik of Belleville IL, Susan & Ron Kreke of Troy IL, Shaun Weiss of Boston MA, John & Franzika Idan of Germany. Many nieces and nephews. His loving and comforting hugs, infectious laugh, and warm presence will be missed deeply.

From a young age, Larry's musical talent was undeniable. At the age of 2, he started dragging around a guitar. This guitar was so much bigger than him that the bottom wore out from dragging it everywhere. A few years later, his brother Tommy had purchased a dobro guitar, got mad, and was going to smash it around a tree but instead gave it to Larry. This is the guitar that Larry truly learned to play on, and he would play so often and for so long even when his fingers would bleed. At the age of 10 or 12, he was asked to play guitar and sing with his brother, Jimmy, on the drums, in the band Epic's. Since that time Larry has traveled far and wide to perform all over. He recorded in a studio where Elvis recorded, and Elvis's dad and family took him in as one of their own. He was a member of numerous bands including: Leaky Faucet, Creed, Gladstone, Larry Raymer Memories of Elvis and many others. Larry would do thousands of concerts and Elvis shows.

In the early 1980's, Larry started playing in church and became a worship leader. He traveled with the Kings Kids puppet Ministry for years and led worship at Greater Glory Family Church, as well as a few other churches. Larry ministered with a great anointing alongside his son, Presley, on the drums. Together they ministered to thousands of people. Larry wrote and produced hundreds of songs. Throughout his extensive music career, he received numerous awards, acknowledgements, and accolades including letters from multiple presidents of the United States.

Larry's greatest enjoyment was bringing smiles to faces. Even in his darkest, most painful hours he sought to bring joy to others with his angelic voice, a testament of his selfless and loving nature. His life was a beautiful composition of kindness, creativity, and devotion to his family and faith. And he never failed to tell you how much he loved you.

Larry enjoyed his peaceful property Raymer's Wildlife Ranch. He especially enjoyed all the wildlife that came to visit the family, especially the momma deer that would bring her babies to meet him.

The Raymer family invites you to join them in celebrating Larry's life. Visitation will be held on December 29th from 4-8pm, and on December 30th from 10-11am, followed by a service at 11am at Gateway Family Church, 97 Oaklawn Rd, Glen Carbon, IL 62034.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations towards funeral expenses, Donations can be made directly to Presley or Mandy Raymer at the service, or dropped off at Kassly-Meridith Funeral Home, 515 Vandalia Street, Collinsville, IL 62234. If donating by check, please make out to Presley Raymer.

In Larry's own words, "I love you, Merry Christmas, Happy Easter, Happy New Year!"