Ivan Ray Stewart, 86, of Mount Carmel, Illinois, passed away Saturday, June 8, 2024, at Oakview Nursing and Rehab, surrounded by love. He was born on July 29, 1937, in Lancaster, Illinois, the son of Dewey and Mabel (Miller) Stewart.

Ray worked as a dispatcher at the Mount Carmel Police Department for nineteen years. He enjoyed life and kept a positive attitude. Ray had a good sense of humor, always had a smile and loved to bring joy to others. He loved listening to sports on his radio, especially MCHS Aces Football and WVC Basketball. Ray was a member of the First Baptist Church, and he will by dearly missed by his family and the many friends he had at Oakview Nursing and Rehab.

Ray will be remembered by a brother-in-law, several loved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, nephews and cousins.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Merrill “Jake” Stewart; sisters, Lois Easter, Jean Wilkinson, Ruth Cockrill, and Ann Fields.

Family and friends are invited to gather for a Visitation from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., Thursday, June 13, 2024, in the Chapel of Keepes Funeral Home.

Funeral Services will be at 10:00 a.m., Friday, June 14, 2024, in the Chapel of Keepes Funeral Home with Brother Steve Williamson officiating. Burial will follow at Harrison Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in Ray’s memory to Harrison Cemetery or Oakview Nursing and Rehab Activity Department. Envelopes will be at the funeral home or can be mailed to Keepes Funeral Home, 1500 North Cherry Street, Mount Carmel, IL 62863.

Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements. To view Ray’s tribute wall, purchase flowers and leave condolences for his family, please visit www.keepesfuneralhome.com