Ray M. Eyman, age 96, passed away Thursday, July 16, 2026. He lived at his home in Rural Edwardsville until shortly before his death at Staunton Health and Rehab. He was born on January 14, 1930, in Iowa City, IA, a son of the late Curtis and Pauline (nee Hurst) Eyman.
Ray married Ruth Eyman (nee Nelson) on January 7, 1949, in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas, who preceded him in death. Ray is also preceded in death by his parents, siblings, Lorna Cox, Dale Eyman and Glen Eyman; parents-in-law, Romy & Della (nee Farmer) Nelson.
Ray is survived by his children, Susan (Ronald Cartwright) Eyman and Dr. Shirley (Rick Gipson) Eyman; grandchildren, Mark (Stephanie) Stoyanoff, Veronica Hannen and Martin Stoecker; great grandchildren, Samantha and Ari Stoyanoff, brother-in-law Harold (Donna) Nelson; and niece, Nancy Gebhart.
Ray lived nearly 80 years in the Edwardsville area. He started painting and building signs shortly after high school and was self-employed as “Ray’s Signs” until going to work at SIUE. For 20 years, Ray worked as the Head of the Sign Department at SIUE. His work and attention to detail helped shape the look of the campus. He was highly respected by his colleagues and proud of the work he did there.
Outside of work, Ray loved adventure and learning. One of his greatest passions was flying ultra-light aircrafts and experiencing the freedom of the skies. On the ground, he was an avid reader who loved history, airplane and adventure stories.
Ray also enjoyed tinkering in his workshop, playing music on his guitar, or piano and traveling in his motor home. He found great peace in nature, spending his free time gardening, fishing and quietly watching the local wildlife.
Private services will be held for Ray.
