Raymond E. Leonard, age 76, of Bickford Cottage, formerly of 4806 Elm, Quincy, passed peacefully in the night with his family by his side on Monday, February 22, 2016. It is believed that he was greeted by loved ones who have gone before him and that he is now being held in the arms of Jesus his Savior.

Ray was born on June 1, 1939 in Quincy, a son of Raymond E. & Hazel D. (Van Skyke) Leonard, Sr. He married Judith L. Goodpaster on February 13, 1960 in Quincy. She preceded him in death on September 12, 2012.

Ray attended St. Boniface Grade School and graduated from Notre Dame High School with the class of 1957. Ray was very proud of his high school class. He played football and basketball, the highpoint of high school football was playing against C.B.H.S. of St. Louis whose team included Mike Shannon and Stan Musial’s son!

Ray then attended electronics school in Chicago, Illinois before returning again to his hometown of Quincy to marry his high school sweetheart, Judith. Ray began a thirty-nine year career with Gardner Denver, and he and Judy were blessed with two sons. Family always came first to Ray. He coached his sons sporting teams and was active in scouting. He loved the outdoors and taught his sons to hunt and fish, always with respect for the outdoors. He loved family vacations, taking them on trips to Colorado and the Lake of the Ozarks. Ray enjoyed elk hunts in Colorado and bear hunting and fishing in Ontario. But mostly, he enjoyed hunting deer and turkey and fishing in Illinois with family and friends.

Ray loved Notre Dame football and was a very avid St. Louis Cardinal’s fan. His favorite ballplayer was Stan the Man. Ray loved attending a game, watching on TV or listening on the radio. It didn’t matter, he never missed a game. One of his favorite Cub fans brought him a 2016 Cardinals schedule to wish him luck on the day he died. The rivalry never ends!

Ray spent endless hours with his grandchildren enjoying all their activities. He kept them busy and involved in school and sports. He also cherished his time with three great-grandchildren.

Most important to Ray was his Catholic faith which guided him throughout his life. He always served others, including his parish as an usher and minister of communion. He volunteered for funeral dinners and was active in Cursillo.

He is survived by one son, Gregory Raymond Leonard and his wife Therese of Washington, IL; one grandson, Kyle G. (Elizabeth) Leonard of Liberty, IL, two granddaughters, Lori L. (Taften) Kuhl of Springfield, IL and Kristin N. Leonard of Washington, IL; and three great-grandchildren, Logan, Joslynn and Greyson Kuhl.

In addition to his wife Judith, and his parents, he was preceded in death by a son Patrick Allen Leonard.

The family wishes to thank all Ray’s caregivers at Bickford Cottage, as well as all at Hospice. These people are all endless givers who deeply cared for Ray.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 27, 2016 at 9:30 a.m. in the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home and at 10:00 a.m.in the Church of St. Peter by Msgr. Leo Enlow. Interment will be in St. Peter Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday evening from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to St. Peter’s Church, Quincy Notre Dame High School or to Blessing Foundation for Hospice.