Raymond McAdams

Date of Birth

Jun 07,1941

Date of Death

Sep 26,2015

Raymond W. McAdams, age 74, of Franklin Grove, formerly of Maple Park, passed away at his home surrounded by the love and prayers of his family, Saturday, September 26, 2015.

He was born June 7, 1941, at Glidden Hospital in DeKalb, IL, the son of William and Dorothy (Kahl) McAdams.

Ray grew up in Maple Park and attended local schools. He graduated from Kaneland High School with the class of 1959. Like many of his generation, Ray was a proud member of the FFA.

Ray’s heart was lost at first sight of Josephine Harvey in 1967. After a whirlwind courtship, they walked down the aisle, hand in hand, and heart in heart, on June 29, 1968.

They made their home in Maple Park and raised a family that would include three children. He spent his whole adult life living in Maple Park, until a planned retirement move to Franklin Grove happened early due to Jo’s untimely death. Ray continued building their home, but in his heart it was never finished. Ray lived there until he was reunited with his bride.

Ray put his FFA membership to work when he worked at Hintzsche’s for a time but was privileged to work several years for K.B. Nickels Redi Mix and Curran Contracting (Stahl) for 36 years at a job he loved. Ray retired in 2006.

His love of community led him into politics of a sort serving repeatedly as a village board trustee and eventually serving two terms as the mayor of Maple Park. He was a member and supporter of Teamsters Local 330. He also was a member of the Grace Methodist Church and was a volunteer fireman for decades, protecting his community alongside his friends and neighbors.

Ray had a heart that was happy when he was close to nature. He was a born driver and loved logging the miles for work and for pleasure. He took road trips with Jo in the winters and visited the places that caught their attention. Whether it was somewhere they heard in a song, or where the weather was warmer, no matter the mileage. On one legendary family vacation, the family drove 1,000 in one day. Above all, Ray was a loving father and a devoted husband who would do anything for those he loved. For this reason alone, he will always be loved and always be remembered.
Having been diagnosed with cancer in April 2015, he refused common treatments so to spend his remaining time with his personal spiritual beliefs and friends.
Ray asked that he not be mourned, since he was gifted a wonderful life. His wish is for those who knew him to ENJOY every day.

He is survived by three children: Terri Bishop, James (Lynn) McAdams and Lauri (Gary) Rogers; Three grandsons: Roy and Kyle Bishop and Jeremy Rogers; One great-grandson, Julien Bishop; One brother, Lloyd McAdams and a family of friends.

He is preceded by his wife Jo, and his parents, William and Dorothy McAdams.

Visitation will be Friday, October 2, 2015, from 4-7 p.m.at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL 60119. Interment will follow Saturday morning, October 3, at 10 a.m. at Gardner Cemetery, Maple Park.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Ray’s name. Checks may be made to the “Raymond McAdams Memorial” and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address or on the web at www.conleycare.com and on the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page.

Visitation will be Friday, October 2, 2015, from 4-7 p.m.at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL 60119.

Interment will follow Saturday morning, October 3, at 10 a.m. at Gardner Cemetery, Maple Park.

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