Raymond D. Ham

Raymond Dale Ham (90) was born November 21, 1935, in Ottawa, Illinois to Russell and Edna (Daggett) Ham. He passed away on March 23, 2026, at the Arc in Streator, IL. He married Judy Shewmake on November 12, 1965. Although they divorced in 1999, they continued to care for each other, especially in their later years. Together, they shared three children, Brian Ham, Denise Steele and Eric Ham. Ray retired from Owens Glass Factory in Streator, IL in 1995 where he worked for many years. He was a proud member of the Eagles Club #645 where he served as President for a time. Ray moved to Shell Knob, Missouri in 2003 and remained there until 2019 when his health began to decline. Ray loved fishing and being on the water. He even had a lakeside home on Table Rock lake where he enjoyed taking his grandchildren (and great-grandchildren) on the boat and showing them the ropes when it came to fishing. Ray was a no-nonsense kind of man, but made exceptions when it came to his grandchildren, who could do absolutely no wrong. He was proud of all of his grandchildren. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Edna, his ten siblings, his son Brian Ham and a granddaughter- Lexi Higgins. Survivors include his children Denise and Eric; grandchildren Erica (Michael) Fortson, Lindsey (Timothy) Greene, Stormi Ham, and Rachael Higgins; great-grandchildren Veronica, Ryan and Kennadi Fortson, Gwendolyn Greene and a baby boy on the way, along with many nieces and nephews.

Following cremation, private family services will be held.