Lowell Ray Eells, 89, of rural Rossville, IL, passed away at 4:35 P.M. Thursday April 8, 2021 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, IL. He was born on January 26, 1932 in rural Rankin, IL, the son of Harold and Elizabeth (Shinneman) Eells.
He graduated from East Lynn High School. Ray served in the United States Army and was in the Korean War as a machine gunner and was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge. He later served as a military policeman. He was one of five brothers to serve our country.
After service in the Army, he graduated from Eastern Illinois University where he met and married Sara Williamson on November 1, 1958. Ray and Sara were able to enjoy nearly 30 years together until Sara’s death on October 12, 1988. To this union was born a son, David Wayne (Lori) Eells of Rossville, IL and daughters, Jacqueline Leigh (Clark) Potter of Alvin, IL and Elizabeth Faye (Mick) Braddock of Rossville, IL. Also surviving are grandchildren, Natalie (Will) Rayfield, Dani (Nate) Boyer, Clayton (Angelica) Potter, Lauren (Jordan) Stream, Anthony Eells, Whitney Braddock, Cody Eells, and Lyndey (Tyler) Selsor; great-grandchildren, Jacy and Brynlee Boyer, Charly and Bradly Rayfield, Deiter Weisgerber, Kendyll Selsor, Loreli and Isla Stream and Baby Stream due June 2021; one brother, Donald (Nancy) Eells; three sisters, Maxine Houmes, Leona Houmes, and Lois Harness; two sisters-in-law, Jeanette Eells and Shirley Eells; and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his friend, Leona York.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Edson Eells, Jerry Eells, and Dick Eells; two brothers-in-law, Dale Houmes and Sharon Houmes; one niece, Susan Eells; and two nephews, Greg Eells and Kevin Eells.
Ray taught Industrial Vocational classes for 35 years at East Lynn High School and Bismarck-Henning High School. He was a member of the Rossville United Methodist Church. He was also a member of the Rossville American Legion Post #733 where he served in the Color Guard and was an officer for many years and was a member of the VFW Post #1826 in Hoopeston. Ray enjoyed spending time with his family and helping perform any task that needed done. He also enjoyed sports, especially IU basketball. In his younger years, Ray enjoyed horseback riding with family and friends. He also enjoyed building and refinishing old furniture.
A visitation will be held 4:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. Tuesday April 13, 2021 at Anderson Funeral Home 427 E. Main St. Hoopeston, IL. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday April 14, 2021 at the funeral home with Pastor Chris Quick officiating. Burial will follow in Bethel Cemetery in rural Alvin, IL, with military rites being accorded by the Hoopeston American Legion Post #384.
Memorials may be made to the Rossville American Legion Post #733 502 N. Chicago St. Rossville, IL 60963 or the Rossville United Methodist Church 116 Maple St. Rossville, IL 60963.
Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com
