Raymond David Worstell's Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL - Raymond David Worstell, age 76 of Charleston and formerly of Newman, IL and Santa Ana, CA, joined the love of his life on Wednesday, September 11, 2013 while a patient at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center. A Memorial Service honoring and celebrating his life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 15, 2013 at the Immanuel Lutheran Church located at 600 E. Northline Road in Tuscola, IL. It is requested that thoughtful donations in his honor be made to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation, 1359 Broadway, Suite 1509, New York, NY 10018. Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston is assisting the family with arrangements. Ray was born on July 25, 1937 in Pesotum, IL, a son of the late Roy and Blanche (Corday) Worstell. He married Patricia Simpson on June 15, 1964 in Santa Ana and they shared 38 years of marriage prior to her death on September 1, 2002. He is survived by four loving daughters, Angel Silva, Kerry Hanford and husband Steve and Penny Estrada and husband Joe, all of Reno, NV and Kamie Worstell of Newman, IL; 15 grandchildren, Nikki Cox, Jamie Ibarra, Patrick Fillmore, Leo David Roberts, Jesse Ray Roberts, April Worstell, Johnathan Worstell, Adam, Ashton, Jacob, Alex and Avery Nieto, Michael, Mandie and Michelle Estrada; 30 great-grandchildren and 13 great-great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents and wife he was preceded in death by a brother, Wilbur Worstell. Ray was a truck driver and for many years drove for PFT Roberson, Inc. based out of Mahomet, IL. He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Tuscola. Ray had a variety of interest and kept life interesting and fun. His favorite hobbies were race cars and fishing. His children have fond memories of growing up - from horseback riding to catfish fries on Saturday nights. Ray was known to say ""I know a little about a lot and a lot about a little""; but to his family - he was a hero. He was affectionately known to some as ""Pop"" and to others as ""Poppy"" and his love for his family and their love for him was evident. He was proud of his four grandsons, two who were war veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan, Michael - U.S. Marine Corps, John - United States Navy; and Leo - Army National Guard and Patrick - U.S. Navy. Grandson Michael shared thoughts of his grandfather and a message to his family in the following words: ""Be still and know that I am there"" Psalms 46:10. This verse kept me hopeful in my dark time in Afghanistan. I pray you let this word resonate in your mind and remember we must not worry about worldly things. As ""Pop"" passed away tonight I know for certain he was calm in the light. Looking into God's eyes and finding peace in the idea of eternal life. Keep this in your heart in the days to come and remember, family isn't only about the past - it happens right now. Don't think you are alone - reach out to one another. ""Ask and it will be given"" Matthew 7:7. God loves us all and does what is necessary. It is not always easy but is for the greater reward of our eternal life. Amen and I love each and every one of you so much.
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