Raymond A. Plath's Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL - Raymond Arthur Plath of Charleston, passed away on Sunday, August 17, 2014 at Heartland Christian Village in Neoga, at the age of 103. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 22, 2014 at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston. Funeral Services honoring and celebrating his life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, immediately following the visitation with Reverend Krista Price officiating. Burial will follow in Roselawn Cemetery in Charleston. It is requested that in lieu of flowers, thoughtful donations in his honor be made to the Charleston Food Pantry, the Charleston Civic Association or to the Homeless Shelter. Gifts may be left on the memorial table at the visitation or service or may be mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920. Ray was born on March 10, 1911 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a son of the late Carl and Hedwig A. (Bohl) Plath. He married his beloved wife, Glendora Steinborn, on June 15, 1940, in Beloit, Wisconsin, and they happily shared 59 years of marriage and friendship prior to her death on July 18, 1999. Ray is survived by their three sons, Richard R. Plath of Indianapolis, Indiana, Paul J. Plath of Evansville, Indiana and Carl H. Plath of Middleton, Wisconsin; one grandchild, Michael R. Plath and wife Kelly of Loves Park, Illinois; two great-grandchildren, Addison and Alyssa Plath; and Patricia Hanks, a daughter-in-law of many years. Ray was also preceded in death by a granddaughter, Amy L. Plath; two brothers, Edward C. and Robert G. Plath as well as a sister, Mildred Lawton. Ray received his degrees at the University of Wisconsin, his Bachelor's in 1933, his Masters in 1936, and his Ph.D. in 1939.In 1946 he began a 30 year tenure with Eastern Illinois University as a Professor of Economics. Dr. Plath was a devoted instructor and impacted the lives of thousands of students who entered his classroom. Ray was proud of his heritage. Both his maternal and paternal grandparents were German immigrants and he spoke of his grandfather who served in the Union Army during the Civil War. He was baptized and confirmed in the Bethel Evangelical Church in Milwaukee, a denomination brought to the U.S. by his German ancestors and whose services were conducted in German until the 1920's. Following Glendora's death, Ray attended the Otterbein United Methodist Church in Charleston. Ray served on the board of the Charleston Cemetery Association and was a 40 year member of the Charleston Country Club where he pursued his love for the game of golf. He was an avid reader, especially of English Literature, and Mark Twain, Agatha Christie, Charles Dickens, John Le Carre, and John Galsworthy were among his favorite authors. Ray also enjoyed listening to his music of choice which might include polka style selections as well as Pavarotti. When living at the family home on Orchard Drive, Ray enjoyed being outside tending to the lawn and flower gardens. Ray was a loved and respected long-time member of the Charleston community and there are many who have been blessed with an abundance of fond memories.
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