J. Ray Danielson

J. Ray Danielson age 80 of Colchester, passed away with his family at his side, on Sunday, April 12, 2020, at his home in Colchester. He was born February 17, 1940, to John W. and Paulina M. (Ellis) Danielson. Ray was united in marriage June 24, 1962 in Colchester to Jean Douglas. She preceded him in death on May 20, 2016.

Surviving to mourn his passing is 2 sons: Mark (Carol) Danielson, Carthage, Missouri, Mike (Donna) Danielson, Colchester, Illinois, 5 grandchildren: Kyle Danielson, Carthage, Missouri, Jesse Danielson, Joshua Danielson, Cheyenne Wilson, all of Macomb, Laramie Wilson, of Quincy, 2 great grandchildren: Lukas and Emmett Wilson, of Fountain Green, Illinois, 2 sisters: Martha Fentem, Colchester, Marcia (Ernie) Fitzjarrald, Augusta, 4 sisters in law: Ruthanne Danielson, Carthage, Illinois, Cora (Danny) Cavett, Mankato, Minnesota, Clara (Dana) Rabideau, Fort Smith, Arkansas, and Carole (Gary) Turner, Duluth, Minnesota.1 brother in law: Kenneth (Karen) Douglas, Jacksonville, Illinois, and many nieces and nephews.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, wife: Jean Danielson, 1 brother: Bobbie Ellis Danielson, 1 brother in law: Jim Fentem, 3 nephews: Danny Danielson, Tim Myers, and Paul Douglas.

Ray was a 1958 graduate of Plymouth High School. He worked at Macomb Porcelain, Macomb Coke Company and Automatic Electric as an installer before being drafted in 1963 into the United States Army. After he was honorably discharged in 1965 at Fort Riley, Kansas, Ray and Jean moved to Colchester, where he began working for McDonough Telephone. He served in many areas of the phone company through his 40 years finishing as a technician and dispatcher in 2005. Ray had been a Red Cross Instructor, Colchester Alderman, Masonic Lodge member, Secretary and founding board member of the Colchester Fire Protection Board, and served on the board of McDonough Power (REA), where he was also on the nomination board for many years. He was also a member of the Vulcans Car Club, the Blackhawk Auto Restorers Club of Burlington, Iowa, of which he served as an Officer for many years, and the REO Club of America. His passion was for REO cars, trucks, and lawn mowers, and he attended the Club’s yearly meetings all over the United States. He and Jean would take REO cars to many of the car shows in the area. Ray would travel each year to Pennsylvania for the annual Hershey swap meet and would always bring all kinds of Hershey Chocolate back to his kids, grandkids, his friends at the coffee shop and anyone else he thought of. He was a member of the Colchester United Methodist Church where he was very active in many committees. He also enjoyed playing pitch in a local Card Club, going to auctions, antiquing, jigsaw puzzles and collecting coins and liked to share his finds with his friends. Ray could be found helping his family, friends or neighbors with projects, that included everything from mowing the yard to shooting skunks. Ray enjoyed going out to eat with his family and friends, and you could find them at many local restaurants. Of all the things that Ray did in his life the time he spent with his wife Jean and their family brought him the greatest joy.

Private Graveside services will be held at Oakwood Cemetery in Macomb, with Rev. Jim Clayton. A public Celebration of life will be held at a later date. Friends may view and sign the register book at the Jones Mortuary from 8:30 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. Thursday. Memorial is to the Colchester United Methodist Church Elevator Fund.

Online Condolences may be expressed to the family at jonesmortuaryfh.com

Friends may view and sign the register book at the Jones Mortuary from 8:30 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. Thursday.

Private Graveside services will be held at Oakwood Cemetery in Macomb, with Rev. Jim Clayton. A public Celebration of life will be held at a later date.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of J. Ray Danielson, please visit our floral store.