Raymond W. Egbert, Jr., 80
Raymond W. Egbert, Jr., 80, of Botkins, died at 6:57 p.m. on Monday, March 29, 2021 at the St. Rita’s (Mercy Health) Hospice in Lima. He was born on Dec. 19, 1940 on the family farm near Botkins, the son of the late Raymond W. Egbert, Sr. and Thelma S.A. (Donnerberg) Egbert.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Janice K. (Huelsman) Egbert whom he married on July 4, 1970. He is also survived by a son David (Rebekka) Egbert of Jackson Center; two daughters, Theresa “Terri” (Shannon) Holt of Botkins and Amanda “Amy” (Michael) Martin of Botkins and his eight grandchildren: Kaitlin (Tyler) Jones of Troy, Emily (Quintin Herzog) Holt of Botkins, Cheyenne McGough of Akron, Aidan and Shane Egbert of Jackson Center and Samantha, Madelaine and Coleman Martin of Botkins. Also surviving are his in-laws William Huelsman of Wilton Manors, Florida, Barbara Smith of New Knoxville and Debra Niswonger of Celina and a niece Kathy Watercutter of Minster.
Along with his parents, Ray was preceded in death by his sister; brother in-law Laverne (Frank) Alexander and two nieces.
Ray was a 1958 graduate of Anna High School. He had been a member of Immanuel Church in Kettlersville where he held many offices over the years. He enlisted in the United States Army and served his country from 1962 to 1965 as a Military Policeman. He had been engaged in farming his whole life, and was a dairy farmer for over 30 years. He also worked construction and was part-owner of RST Builders, LLC for many years. After retirement Ray loved to work in his workshop, creating many pieces of furniture and toys for family members and friends. He also enjoyed helping his children on their farms, working outside and he also spent many hours attending his grandchildren’s musical performances, sporting events and school functions. He loved spending time with his family. In his spare time, Ray loved to travel, visit with friends and go to the casino. He had been a member of the New Bremen American Legion for over 50 years, he was a lifelong FFA member, and was a Kettlersville 4-H advisor for many years. During Ray’s final days, he was surrounded by his loving family.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 3, at Immanuel Church in Kettlersville with Ken Eckstein officiating. Interment will follow with military honors in the German Protestant Cemetery of New Bremen. Calling hours will be held from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, April 2, at the Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home in New Bremen, and one hour prior to the services at the church on Saturday. Memorial contributions in memory of Ray can be made to the Mercy Health – Hospice Lima (959 W. North St., Lima, Ohio 45805).
Arrangements have been entrusted to GilbergHartwig Funeral Home in New Bremen, and online condolences to the family can be left at GilbergHartwigFH.com.