E. Ray King

E. Ray King III, 75, went to be with his Savior on Monday, July 21, 2025, in the home that his great-grandfather built and Ray grew up in. In the days and hours during his passing, he was surrounded by family and friends.

He was born March 14, 1950, in Peoria IL to Elmer King Jr and Ethel Mae (Gerber) King.

He married Marsha (Lewis) King on December 7, 1974 in Coleman, MI. They met in Colorado Springs, CO while serving with the Navigators. After their marriage they returned to Groveland, Illinois. They were married for 50 years. She survives.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter, Glenell King, and two granddaughters, Gloria King and Keziah Repke.

He is survived by three brothers, Ed (Nancy) King, Phil (Kathy) King, and Tim (Kim) King; five sons, Brian (Andrea) King, Kevin (Elaine) King, Alan (Melissa) King, Steven (Milena) King, Trenton (Paloma) King; two daughters, Anne (John Paul) Repke and Suzanne (Joshua) Arington; thirty-two grandchildren; one great-grandson; many nieces & nephews; and many others who loved Ray.

He was raised on the family dairy farm in Groveland IL and went on to earn degrees in Agriculture and Agricultural Communications from the University of Illinois. He was a hog farmer for fifteen years.

Ray’s faith was a central part of his daily life. He grew up attending First Mennonite Church in Morton IL.  Later he attended Northfield Christian Fellowship in Tremont, IL for over 35 years where he served as a Bible study leader, Sunday school teacher, and on the Men’s Ministry.

He was a pioneer in the local homeschooling movement, serving as an early board member for eight years on the Association of Peoria Area Christian Home Educators (Now PAACH).

One of Ray’s greatest passions was Samaritan Ministries. Ray was a part in the founding board, and then later created the Christian Health Care Newsletter, guided the ministry’s Communication Department for 20 years; always with a focus on a biblical worldview and putting the members first. As part of the newsletter he authored the monthly devotional, The Doorpost for more than 27 years.

Ray had an interest in local politics and served as the Groveland Township Supervisor from 1993 to 1997.

Ray deeply enjoyed collecting and reading books and traveling to conferences. Those who knew Ray knew him for his word puns and dad jokes, for which he was a “Ray” of sunshine for many.

A visitation will be held on Friday, July 25 from 5-7 pm at Northfield Christian Fellowship, 411 W. North St, Tremont, IL and one hour before the service at the church.   Funeral services will be July 26 at 10 am, also at Northfield Christian Fellowship. DeWayne Arington will be officiating.  Ray will be laid to rest alongside seven generations of ancestors at Pleasant Grove Mennonite Cemetery, 22100 Allentown Road, Groveland, IL. Oswald Funeral Home in Tremont is handling the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Samaritan Ministries, earmarked Member Assistance.

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