Ray Gene Van Matre

Ray Gene Van Matre, age 89

October 14, 1936 - July 10, 2026

Beloved husband, father, and grandfather Ray Gene Van Matre, age 89, of Parkersburg, Illinois, left to be with the Lord at 11:16 PM on Friday, July 10, 2026, at Haven on the River in Grayville, Illinois.

The family asks any who can, to come and celebrate Ray’s life. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 15 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, with a funeral following at the Meyer Funeral Home in Olney, Illinois. Burial will follow at Greenhill Cemetery south of Noble, Illinois with military rites. In loving memory of Ray, memorials may be made to the family. The obituary may be viewed and condolences left at www.meyerfh.com.

Ray was born on October 14, 1936, in Noble, Illinois, the son of Luther and Alice (Poff) Van Matre. He married his love (Sarah) Jane Slover on December 30th, 1954, at the Lawrenceville, Illinois courthouse, and she survives.

Ray was a trucker, oil and gas worker by profession, but was a jack-of-all trades and man of many hats. Ray loved his country, serving in the United States Army in the Korean War. He immensely enjoyed the outdoors, and was an avid fisherman, spending hours casting with his longtime friend Bob Perry. He raised chickens and rabbits in his spare time. He enjoyed watching Westerns and was a Stock Car race driver in the younger years of his life. He loved his family dearly and worked hard to make every child and grandchild feel special and connected.He was deeply loved and will be sorely missed.

Ray survived by:Wife of 71 years –Sarah Jane Van Matre of Parkersburg, IllinoisChildren – Alan Jackson “AJ” (Connie) Van Matre of Parkersburg, Illinois Robert (Karen) Van Matre of Grayville, Illinois Susan Marie Van Matre of Olney, Illinois Nancy Jane (Jason) Miller of West Salem, Illinois Michele Van Matre (partner Tony Persinger) of Flora, IllinoisDaughter-in-law – Donna Kay Van Matre of Olney, IllinoisBrother – Don (Donna) Van Matre of Olney, Illinois19 Grandchildren29 Great Grandchildren3 Great-great GrandchildrenSeveral nieces and nephews

Ray was preceded in death by; his parents, his in-laws Mildred and Lawrence Slover, sons Phillip Van Matre and Mike Van Matre, granddaughters Lisa Marie Van Matre and Devan Nicole Van Matre, great grandson Alexander Ray Graham, brothers Bill Van Matre and Dale Van Matre, sisters Doris Perry and Erma Robinson.

There will be lunch after the service at the Parkersburgh Community Building for anyone wishing to join the family, 
Covered Dishes would be appreciated.