A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 21, 2023 for 97-year-old Ray Gerald Cottner of Waterloo, Illinois who passed away Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at Cedarhurst of Waterloo.
Ray was born November 28, 1925 in St Louis, Mo. to Joseph S. and May (Chappius) Cottner.
Ray joined the United States Army.
He married his sweetheart Mary (Moonier) of Perryville, Mo. at Camp Shelby, Miss.. shortly before being deployed to Europe to fight in the great war as a trusted military vehicle driver under General George Patton serving in France and Germany.
Upon his honorable return stateside Ray and Mary gave birth to their only son Stanley Ray Cottner.
With only a 6th grade education Ray retired from McDonnell Douglas Aerospace Company as head Electrician. Ray had a way of making everyone feel comfortable and at ease.
He was a hard working man, a noble husband and a devoted father, grandfather and great grandfather.
Ray always conducted himself with dignity and integrity and was a member of St John the Baptist Catholic Church Red Bud, Ill.
Survivors include his wife of 77 years: Mary L. Cottner of Waterloo, Ill.; a son: Stanley (Paula) Cottner of Waterloo, Ill.; two brothers: Julius (Frances) Cottner of Hecker, Ill., Nolan (Linda) Cottner of Perryville, Mo.; two grandsons: Stanley Joseph Cottner (Josh) and Aaron Ray (Robin) Cottner; and a great-granddaughter: Maliyah Cottner of St. Louis, Mo.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother: Noble “Billy” Cottner; two sisters: Doris Schremp and Opal Boxdorfer.
Visitation will be 9-10 a.m. Saturday, January 21, 2023 at Ford & Young Funeral Home in Perryville.
A memorial service for 97-year-old Ray Gerald Cottner will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, January 21, 2023 at Ford & Young Funeral Home in Perryville with Deacon Direk Hunt officiating.
Burial will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, MO at a future date.
Memorial contributions may be given to American Cancer Society.
Online condolences may be made at www.fordandyoungfuneralhome.com .