Ray D. Mesa, 37, of Waterloo, Illinois, passed away Sunday, August 4, 2024 at Mercy Hospital South, St. Louis, Missouri.

Devoted husband to Jessie Mesa, and a loving father to Korbin and Delanie Mesa. Precious son to Rosa Mesa and Ventura Salazar. Caring brother to Yuvizael Rodriguez Salazar and Bobby Foy.

Ray was a kind and humble soul with a deep love for his family. The love he shared with Jessie was one in a lifetime since a teenager. Their foundation was true love, humor, and the compass of being each other’s “home”.

Ray and Jess met while working at McDonalds at the age of 16. Teen lust and love turned into a young marriage at 19, culminating in over 20 years together building a beautiful life. They enjoyed riding the sunsets on their Harleys, camping, boating or even just staying home making a bowl of popcorn.

Ray strived for a life to be around the people he loved while having the wind in his hair, the sun on his cheeks, and horsepower under his ass. Known for riding his Harley, taking in the sunset, and loving St. Louis City Soccer, he also prided in his hard work and humility; Ray touched the lives of many.

He never sought recognition or praise, yet his kindness left a lasting impact on everyone he met. He made this world a better place by simply being authentically humble. His smile and open presence created so much comfort for people. Ray prioritized the call to action for people in need, even if that meant pulling over on a dangerous highway to help. Ray knew how to help people through the compassion and skills of his hands and heart.

Ray was an amazing dad to both kids, he embodied patience, wisdom, and unconditional love. He also balanced sternness with lightheartedness as a parent. He found immense joy in raising Korbin and Delanie.

He was a natural at unconditional love. He worked so hard to deliver the best memories and opportunities to Korbin and Delanie by working hard, being present, and always leaning into humor.

Ray and Korbin shared a passion for anything with 2 wheels and an engine. They built memories riding dirt bikes and if not riding, they were in the garage getting dirty. Their commonality was unmatched; everything a son would want in a father and a father to son. They were synced in their ability to use their minds and hands to accomplish great things together in a remarkable way. Delanie and Ray were quite literally best friends (frequently claimed by each other) their laughter and everything non-serious is who they were.

Ray was naturally a supportive person but had a soft heart for his baby girl. Ray and Delanie’s personalities would combine anytime they were playfully bantering, telling funny jokes, or cuddling on the couch. There was an abundance of quiet understanding, enthusiastic laughs, and inside jokes to perpetuate smiles for a lifetime.

Ray was incredibly determined and hardworking. He spent most of his life in dairy farming and then started his successful roofing and renovation business in 2021. His knowledge and skillfulness were admirable. He could build a house, replace an engine, or bring the custom design dreams of anyone to reality. He met so many clients that turned into friends at that time. Everyone would recognize his silver Chevy dually “Big Booty Judy” always with a trailer. His legacy of the work he has done on earth and for people will never be forgotten.

Ray leaves behind not only his family but friends and a large community of those he impacted. His presence will be profoundly missed, but his spirit will continue to inspire us to be kinder, more humble, and carry humility.

Ray is survived by his wife, Jessie Mesa of Waterloo, IL; beautiful children Korbin and Delanie Mesa; Mother and Father, Rosa and Ventura Mesa Salazar, of Durango, Mexico. Brothers, Yuvizael Rodriguez Salazar of Durango, Mexico, and Bobby Foy Granite City, IL, and many new and lifetime friends of the community. He is preceded in death by his mother and father-in-law, Robert and Donna Foy, and Grandparents, Julia Salazar and Epifanio Meza.

Funeral Service: 4:00 pm, Saturday, August 10, 2024 Pechacek Funeral Homes, Red Bud, Illinois Officiating: Rev. Cory Hartz

Visitation: Saturday – 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm  Pechacek Funeral Homes, Red Bud, Illinois.

Memorials: Family Choice