Raymond Gordon Webster

Raymond Gordon Webster was born on October 15th, 1929. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and loved ones on June 9th, 2023. He was preceded in death by his bride of 70 years, Norma Jean (Ward) Webster.

Survived by his five children, Dave (Betty) Webster, Diane (Randy) Link, Mary Mistro, Paul (Lisa) Webster, and Janet (Carl) Minuth.

Blessed with ten wonderful grandchildren, Jayme, Stacey, Matthew, Andrew, Jason, Joshua, Sarah, Heather, Steven, and Jacob. He was also blessed with eighteen precious great-grandchildren.

Raymond was the only child of Eleanor (Holtz) and George Webster. Born in Chicago, he moved at an early age to Moline and then to New Lenox. He attended Haven School and Joliet Central High School. He was active in the high school band and choir. He became an accomplished singer and wedding soloist later in life.

He attended Valparaiso University after high school. He met his bride Norma Jean and they married in Frankfort in 1952. Due to an untimely illness and having to withdraw from school, he was drafted into the Army during the Korean War. He served out his military service at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri and was Honorably Discharged. He returned to New Lenox and Valparaiso University where he earned his bachelor's degree.

After college, he worked as a supervisor for U.S. Steel in Joliet. In the late ’60s, Raymond became a school teacher in New Lenox. He went back to college and earned a Masters's Degree in Education from Olivet Nazarene University. Ray taught for 20+ years, touching the lives of many students at Haines, Oakview, Martino, and Tyler schools.

After retiring, Ray and his bride Norma Jean moved to Warsaw, Indiana where they enjoyed many years on Pike Lake. Family and friends who visited were often treated to a pontoon ride on the lake or a ride in their van to see the countryside of northern Indiana.

Ray and Jean returned to Illinois and settled in Frankfort where they enjoyed their remaining years near family and friends.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, June 19th from 3 to 6 PM at Kurtz Memorial Chapel in New Lenox.

A funeral service will be the following day, June 20th at 10 AM at Christ’s Mission Church in New Lenox.

A Military Honors burial will follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery where Raymond will be laid to rest alongside his bride Norma Jean.