Raymond D. Caplinger, age 80, of Hoyleton, passed away Sunday, July 20, 2025, at Carlyle Healthcare Center. He was born December 25, 1944, son of the late Raymond and Fern (nee Swager) Caplinger.
Ray and Mary (nee Meehan) tied the knot on January 14, 1966, at St. Philip’s Catholic Church in East St. Louis. From the beginning, Ray brought the mischief and Mary brought the order – or at least she tried. Ray was a kid at heart his whole life, always up to something. Together, they raised a family, ran a business, and built a life that was anything but boring. Mary passed away on November 18, 2005, and Ray missed her every day after. He was also preceded in death by his parents and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Leo and Erma (nee Schuchman) Meehan.
Ray is survived by children, Michelle (Patrick) Mueller of Hoffman, Michael Caplinger of O’Fallon, David (Karla) Caplinger of Carlyle, Lori (Paula Richards) Caplinger of Holland, TX, and Melanie (fiancé, Conner Murray) Caplinger of Hoyleton; grandchildren, Braden (Alma) Mueller, Paige (John) Hampel, Janna Caplinger, Katheryn (Alec) Johns, Amanda (Cody) Frese, David (Elyse) Caplinger, Taylor Caplinger, Jake Richards, Daymeon Baugh, Hailey Baugh, Zane Fletcher, Dilan Murray, Peyton Murray, and Kyler Murray; great-grandchildren, Olivia Mueller, Wyatt and Kameron Hampel, Brody Crabtree, Elena Johns, and Aiden, Elliott, Remy, and Belle Frese; brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, Robert (Marcia) Meehan of Smithton, Judy Sutton of Belleville, and Gail Meehan of O’Fallon; and nieces, nephews, and many friends.
Ray spent much of his life working in the restaurant and fast-food industry. He and Mary were best known for owning and running the Nashville Dairy Queen from 1976 to 2006, a beloved local landmark which was acquired and operated by their children, Mike and Melanie after Mary’s passing. Over the years, Ray also managed several other local eateries, including Timbers, Toppers, and Bob and Jerry’s in Nashville, and Mel’s Diner in Hoyleton.
When Ray wasn’t busy working, he lived life full throttle – sometimes literally, on his Harley Davidson. He loved to play Texas Hold’em and was a member of local poker clubs. Ray was a die-hard Kansas City Chiefs fan, always ready to cheer them on with the same energy he brought to everything else. Known for his cooking chops and love of dining out, Ray was at his happiest when gathered around a table with friends and family, swapping stories and reminiscing about the good old days.
Ray had a big heart and a soft spot for the underdog – especially the four-legged kind. He spent time helping out local animal rescues, often driving impounded pets to no-kill shelters in the Chicago area. He even once flew a dog to Connecticut, just to make sure it landed in a good home (and, of course, to play a little poker at Foxwoods Casino). Whether it was a neighbor, a stray, or someone down on their luck, Ray was always ready to lend a hand (or a ride) when someone needed it.
Funeral Service will be Monday, July 28, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at Styninger Funeral Home in Nashville, IL with Fr. George Mauck officiating.
Visitation will be Monday, July 28, 2025, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Styninger Funeral Home in Nashville, IL.
In lieu of flowers, plants, and other gifts, memorials may be made to WC Partners for Pets and will be received at the visitation or by mail, Moss Funeral Home, 535 N 5th St. Breese, IL 62230, who is serving the family.
