Ray Dillingham

Ray E. Dillingham, 85, of Jackson passed away Sunday, April 27, 2008, at the Jackson Manor Nursing Home in Jackson.

He was born July 21, 1922, in Egypt Mills, Mo., son of Jess and Valina Lueder Dillingham. He and Ruth Alene Keller were married March 29, 1952, at Trinity Lutheran Church at Egypt Mills.

On Nov. 23, 1942, he was inducted into the United States Army. He served in northern France, fighting at the Battle of the Bulge, and was awarded a Purple Heart medal, a bronze star and Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged on Nov. 9, 1945, as a staff sergeant.

Ray was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Jackson. He worked at the former Wagner Electric Co. of St. Louis for 31 years and for five years at Lemay Banks in St. Louis, retiring in 1990. He was a member of Cape Girardeau VFW Post 3838.

Ray greatly enjoyed helping his nephews on the farm and playing cards.

Loving survivors include his loving wife of 56 years; several nieces and nephews, Janet (Herb) Welter of Cape Girardeau, Steve (Sue) Dillingham, Stanley (Joyce) Dillingham, and Neva Hindman, all of Egypt Mills and Roxanna (Matt) Popp of Jackson; a sister-in-law, Mona Thiele of Egypt Mills; and 12 great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Loyd Dillingham, a great-niece and a great-nephew.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 29, 2008, at McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson.

Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 30, 2008, at the funeral home, with the Rev. Dave Johnson officiating. Interment will follow in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Egypt Mills, with graveside military honors.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to St. Paul Lutheran Church in Jackson. Sympathy messages may be sent to the family online at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.