Raymond C. Reas

Raymond C. Reas, 85 of Elkhart, passed away Dec. 16, 2014 at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, South Bend following a 10 year battle with Alzheimers.

He was born in Albion, IN on April 22, 1929. He was later adopted by Isaac J. Reas of Elkhart. He married Susan J. Johnson on June 23, 1957. She survives at home. Also surviving is a daughter, Leann (Dennis) Sullivan; grandson, Austin Reas of Elkhart; nephews, Dave (Donna) Johnson of Elkhart, Roger (Sue) Johnson of Alexandria, MN, John Hauenstein of Texas, Sam (Linda) Johnson and Jerry (Bernie) Johnson of Florida; nieces: Joan (James) Stiver of Middlebury and Deann Johnson of Elkhart. Also surviving are several great and great-great-nieces and nephews and cousins and an “adopted” daughter, Tami (Davies) Zonker and her family. Ray was preceded in death by Isaac J. Reas and a sister, Maryann Hauenstein.

Ray was very proud of his Naval service during the Korean Conflict. Upon his return to the States, he spent several years as a mailman. He along with his wife, Susan owned and operated Poplars Mobile home park until their retirement in 1987. Never one to sit still, Ray then went on to be an assembler and door greeter at Wal-Mart for 14 years. Ray enjoyed traveling, especially celebrating he and Susan’s 50th wedding anniversary in Aruba in 2007.

He was an avid Notre Dame and Chicago Cubs fan. Ray also enjoyed watching his grandson play baseball for 14 years. He and Susan played Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus for over 40 years at numerous schools and events as well as Elkhart Civic Theatre. December was always a special time for Ray. He once estimated that he had over 500,000 kids sit on his lap in the 40 years.

Ray, along with his wife, Susan and a few other special couples started the Elkhart Memorial High School Booster Club at the school’s inception and were active members and officers for many years. He also enjoyed volunteering at the Salvation Army and Elkhart Civic Theatre.

Family and Friends may call from 2-8 pm Friday, Dec. 19th at Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home. A funeral service will be conducted at 1 pm on Saturday Dec. 20th by Pastor Don Billey. Military honors will be rendered by the DAV #19 following the service. In accordance with Ray’s wishes, cremation will take place after the funeral and his ashes will later be spread in the Pacific Ocean and at the airport.

Memorials may be made to the Salvation Army or Elkhart Civic Theatre. The family would like to give special thanks to those that have helped care for Ray over the past few years. Especially the staff and health care professionals at Elkhart General Hospital, St. Joe Regional Medical Center, Greenleaf Health Campus and Heritage Point Memory Care Facility.

Online condolences may be sent to www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com.