Raymond Ray Halstead

Raymond Ray Halstead, 72, of Danville, passed away at 6:52am on Wednesday, May 4, 2011 at his residence. He was born on November 11, 1938, in Charleston, West Virginia, the son of Edward I. and Pauline (Kirk) Halstead. Both are deceased. On May 25, 1974, Ray married Leona Gossar. She survives along with two daughters; Barbara Preston of Dalton, Ohio, and Penny Brauninger of Danville. His two grandchildren; Keith Barney, Lee Brauninger, one sister; Gloria (Sam) Kessler of Coco, Florida, several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and nephews, several brother and sister- in- laws, and many special friends, also survive Ray. In addition to her parents, his 1st wife, Bonnie, one brother; Edward Eugene Halstead, one sister; Elizabeth Jane Deremer, and several aunts and uncle preceded Ray in death. Ray was proud of his enlistment into the United States Marine Corp during his four years of service, and served his country with honor. He retired after 40 years of service with the former Lauhoff Grain Company in Danville. He was a member of the South Side Church of Christ in Danville, and a former member and elder of the Hooton Church of Christ. Ray was also a member of the Silver Sneaker exercise club at the Danville YMCA. He enjoyed traveling, watching and learning from television programs such as, Animal Planet, and the 'History Channel', but above all, Ray enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. A Celebration of Raymond Halsteads Life will begin at 10:00am on Monday, May 9, 2011, at the South Side Church of Christ located at 611 Forrest St. in Danville with Pastor Kevin Ziegler to officiate. Burial will follow the service at Stearns Cemetery with military honors being conducted by the Danville American Legion Post #210. A visitation for family and friends will be from 4-8pm on Sunday, May 8, 2011 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, a life celebration home located at 3940 N. Vermilion Street in Danville. Memorial contribution may be made in Rays name to the South Side Church of Christ. E-mail condolences may be sent to the family at www.sunsetfuneral.com