Raymond L. Johnson Jr.

JOLIET—Raymond L. Johnson Jr., 71, of Joliet, passed away Sunday, Oct.8, 2017 at the Joliet Area Community Hospice Home.
Born July 29, 1946 in Pekin, IL, Raymond was a son of Raymond L. Johnson Sr. and Pauline (Valla) Johnson. He was a graduate of Joliet Township High School with the class of 1964, and went on to serve in the United States Army from 1965-1969. It was during his tenure in the service that Ray was honored to have served in the Joint Chiefs of Staff Office. Following his honorable discharge, Ray gained employment with Caterpillar in Joliet, where he worked for 35 years until his retirement.
Survivors include his father, Raymond L. Johnson Sr.; sister, Connie (Chuck) Kostelc; two daughters: Jennifer Johnson and Debbie (Rich) Serling; three grandchildren: Fernando Jr. (Sarah) Hernandez, Angelica Hernandez and Nicole Brown, and two great-grandsons: Boose and Michael Haberkorn. Ray leaves behind love and appreciation to his special caregivers, Tracy Rieder and Courtney Blan.
Ray was preceded in death by his mother.
Visitation will be held at Families of Faith Church, 24466 W. Eames St. in Channahon on Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2017, from 10 a.m. until time of funeral service at 12 p.m. Pastor Randy Blan and Pastor Joe Pospischil will officiate.
Burial with full military honors will follow in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood at 1:30 p.m.
Pallbearers will be: Richard Serling, Fernando Hernandez Jr., Vern Foster, Jeff Rieder, Mike Blan, Dave Apgar, Andy Allen and Connor Allen.
Following the cemetery services the members of Families of Faith welcome Ray's family and friends to return to the church for a memorial meal.
Family and friends may sign the guest book, upload photographs or share Ray’s memorial page online by logging onto: www.BaskervilleFuneral.com.
Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington.