Thursday, March 28, 2024

Lewis Ray Mechling – Obituary

Lewis Ray Mechling of Grantsburg, Illinois passed away on Thursday, July 6, 2017 in Paducah, Kentucky at the age of 87 years.

Ray was born the son of Harry and Christina Mechling on July 7, 1929. He was the 3rd son of 4 boys and 2 girls. He is survived by one brother, Paul Mechling. He was raised in southern Illinois and worked on farms as a boy. He worked briefly on the railroad before going to work at Caterpillar Tractor Company in Peoria, IL at age 18 and retired after 33 years at age 51. After a few years of retirement he moved back “home” to southern IL and has lived the last 20+ years on Hound Ridge Rd. Ray spent most of his time in retirement hunting, fishing, and gardening.

Ray was very active in masonry through his adult life and even spent a few years playing the base drum in the Oriental Band with the Shriners. He also spent many years as an Advisor serving Illinois DeMolay in both local and state wide positions.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 sisters, Lora Mae Pippins and Joann Simmons, and 2 of his brothers Alvy Mechling and Douglas Mechling, and his step-son Con Willey. The father of 3 chldren and 3 step-children, he is survived by his daughters, Joyce Nabstedt and Cindy Strube, his son Terry Mechling, and his step-daughter and step-son, Cande (Willey) Paul and Cam Willey.

A service honoring the life of Lewis Ray Mechling will be conducted Monday morning, July 10, 2017, at 11 AM at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Pastor Billy Thomas will officiate. Burial will be in the Cypress Cemetery.

Visitation will be held Sunday afternoon, July 9, 2017, from 3 PM-5 PM at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Masonic rites will be accorded at 5 PM Sunday.

Memorials may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 4400 Clayton Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110.