Raymond Earl Haun

Ray Haun was born and grew up in the Danville, IL area. His father worked maintenance for the Chicago and Eastern Illinois Railroad system. His mother was a schoolteacher. Ray was the oldest of three children. He had two younger sisters- Mary Jane Dolby (deceased) and Judy (Bob) Beckley (reside in Newton MS).

Upon graduation from Danville HS, Ray worked on a truck farm and later became for a short time by General Motors working in a nearby foundry. In 1954 Ray’s good friend, who was working as an agent for Ozark Airlines in Danville, informed Ray of an opening at the station. Two positive things happened in Ray’s life at this time. He was hired by Ozark as employee 743, and he started dating a local girl who later become his wife.

Meanwhile the Draft Board was breathing down Ray’s neck, so he decided to volunteer for the Draft. He is immediately called into the Army and is sent to boot camp in Fort Leonard Wood, MO. He was assigned to Fort Lewis, WA before joining an Artillery Survey Group in Fort Richardson, Alaska.

In 1957, Ray is discharged from the military, and he returns to Danville as a Station Agent. On April 27, 1958, he and his wife Joanne married, and they soon move to Champaign, IL where Ray becomes a Senior Station Agent. Eighteen months later Ray is promoted to Station Manager in Galesburg, IL.

While at Galesburg, Ray was approached by a flight instructor who was looking for a partner to purchase a Taylorcraft airplane. Ray agreed to become the partner provided the instructor taught him how to fly. After many hours and years of flight, Ray gained all his pilot’s licenses. He started building flying hours and was soon knocking on Ozark Airlines door, seeking a position as a pilot. On July 14, 1965, Ray was interviewed and hired (placed on the pilot’s seniority list).

With the uncertainty of what was going to happen after TWA purchased the company and because of his total years of seniority, Ray took early retirement (age 52). To keep busy Ray took on a variety of jobs, including instructing at Belleville Area College, flying a Cessna 414 for Kirlin Corporation, running a part 135 charter operation, working for the IRS and delivering knowledge for the Lewis and Clark Library district.

Ray was also very proud of his son, his daughter-in law, his grandsons and their wives, and his great grandchildren. “You do me proud” was a unique phrase that he used from time to time.

Ray is preceded in death by his parents (Earl and Margaret) and by his sister (Mary Jane). He is grieved by his sister Judy (Bob) and their children, son Monte (Cheryl). His grandsons James (Erin), Justin (Becca) and by his great grandchildren (Charlotte, Eliana, and Aubrey) and host of other friends and acquaintances.

Early in their marriage Ray and Joanne (and son Monte) attended a Church Christ. After moving to the Hamel, IL area the family joined a local Lutheran Church (St. Paul). Ray possessed a quiet, simple faith that trusted in God’s provision for the now and the hereafter.

From 2016 till 2023, Ray resided at Breeze Park, where he found the community and the support that allowed him to flourish in his later years. The family would like to thank all the dedicated workers who have cheerfully served in this place that Ray has called home.

Memorials may be made in Ray's name to Breeze Park Tover Table. Please write checks directly to Breeze Park Tover Table or to Breeze Park with Tover Table in the memo.