Ray Bullard
Ray Morgan Bullard, 86 of Normal, Ill., lost his battle with pancreatic cancer on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2018 at Heritage Health Center, Normal.
Ray was born on April 7, 1931 in Poplar Grove, lll. to Morgan J. and Lola (Ray) Bullard, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Beverly Anne Pearson, of Poplar Grove.
He is survived by his special friend of over 26 years, Mary L. Scott of Bloomington, Ill.; a daughter, Tamara (John) Kiesewetter of Normal; sons Morgan J of Carpentersville, Ill. and Wade Emerson of Normal. He is also survived by sisters Mary Ford of Huntley, Ill. and Donna Mae (Guy) Colado of Winter Park, Fla.; step-daughter, Gail Pearson of Poplar Grove; and step-son, Jerry Pearson of Florida. Ray will also be missed by his extended family of Sue Sylvester ande her children Laine, Lucas, and Max, all of Bloomington.
As a youth in the 1940s, Ray attained the rank of Life Scout, the second highest rank that can be earned by a Boy Scout. He was selected to be a member of the Order of the Arrow, which is given in recognition of those who exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives. Ray graduated from Capron High School in 1949. He attended Aurora College and graduated from Iowa Wesleyan College in 1953 after which he served two years in the U.S. Army. After his discharge, he took flying lessons and earned his commercial pilot’s license.
Ray worked for 32 years at General Telephone and Electronics. After retirement, he was a volunteer driver for many years for Scott Health and Resources. One of Ray’s favorite pastimes was fishing, and retirement provided him the opportunity to fish cool clear lakes of Northern Minnesota to the warm waters of Florida and scores of destinations in between.
Ray was a faithful member of Second Presbyterian Church. He was a Stephen Minister and also served several years on the Boy Scout Committee.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Second Presbyterian Church, 313 N. East Street, Bloomington, Ill. 61701 or Home Sweet Home Ministries, 303 E. Oakland Avenue, Bloomington, Ill. 61701.
A memorial service will be held at Second Presbyterian Church on Friday, March 2, 2018 at 11 a.m. Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on Friday at the church.
Another service will be held for his interment at Poplar Grove Cemetery on April 7, 2018.
Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington, IL is assisting the family with the cremation rites.
Online condolences may be made to www.calvertmemorial.com.
Neil Harvey
Irving Neil Harvey, 69 of Bloomington, Ill., passed away on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2018 at Advocate BroMenn Regional Medical Center, Normal, Ill.
A celebration of life service will be held on Friday, March 2, 2018 at 2:30 p.m. at Second Presbyterian Church, Bloomington with Pastor Paul Stroup officiating. A private family burial will be held at a later time. Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 1, 2018 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington.
Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association or to the Parkinson’s Foundation.
Neil was born on Jan. 20, 1949 in Sterling, Ill. the son of Paul Irving and Grace (Nutt) Harvey. He married Nancy Nickum on July 21, 1973 at Second Presbyterian Church, Bloomington.
Neil is survived by his mother; Grace Harvey of Rock Falls, Ill., his wife; Nancy Harvey and their children; Brian Harvey of Normal, Bradley Harvey of Denver, Colo. and Elizabeth Harvey of Bloomington, four grandchildren and his sister and brother; Linda (Mark) Brown of Galt, Ill. and Dennis (Sheryl) Harvey of Texas.
He is preceded in death by his father.
Neil was a graduate of Rock Falls Community High School and received his associates degree from Sauk Valley Community College. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He worked and retired from the Administrative Services at State Farm and had previously worked at Eureka Williams Company and Illinois State University.
Neil was a member of Second Presbyterian Church, Bloomington in which he served on the audio and visual team. He was a licensed soccer referee for high school and college and enjoyed coaching soccer also. Neil loved music and dancing, classic automobiles and was an avid St. Louis Cardinals Fan.
Neil was a loving son, brother, husband, father and grandfather and will be deeply missed by all his family and friends.
The family would like to extend their deep gratitude and appreciation to the many family, friends, therapists, and compassionate caregivers who made the last eight years of joy possible. They also wish to extend a special thank you to an amazing physical therapist, Bryan Jasker.
Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences may be made to www.calvertmemorial.com.
