Raymond B. Makeever, age 92, of Ottawa, entered into eternal rest Thursday, October 29, 2015 at Pleasant View.
Funeral services honoring Ray’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, November 5th at Trinity Lutheran Church with Pastor Garry Briesacher and Pastor David Ufkes officiating. Visitation will be from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 4th at Gladfelter Funeral Home. Entombment will be in the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum at Oakwood Memorial Park with Military Honors by the Ottawa Veterans Organization. Pallbearers will be his sons, Ray Jr., Jerry, Bob, Mike, Tom and Ron Makeever. Honorary pallbearers will be Ray’s grandsons Matthew, Matt, Mike, Jon and Joseph Makeever.
Ray was born September 14, 1923 in Davenport, Iowa, a son of Carl Raymond and Alma (Lemme) Makeever. He married Elaine Johansen April 18, 1942 in St. Louis, Missouri. She preceded him in death December 22, 2011. Ray is survived by six sons, Ray (Linda) Makeever, Jr. of Minneapolis, MN, Jerry (Susan) Makeever of Bozeman, MT, Bob (Susan) Makeever of Appleton, WI, Mike Makeever of Fishers, IN, Tom (Kathryn) Makeever and Ron (Diane) Makeever, all of Ottawa. He also leaves his grandchildren, Anya Thomsen, Sophia Breitag, Matthew (Kira), Megan and Emily Makeever, Gail (Don) Damron, Sarah (Doug) Shumway, Matt Makeever, Kara (Ben) Picker, Mike, Jon (Sarah), Kathryn, Joseph, and Maria Makeever and Meredith (Roy) Salas ; and great grandchildren, Joli, Sean, Drew, Ella, Trey, George, Jadon, August, Emily, Madelyn and Maya; and a sister, Margery Bisset of Rochester, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Elaine, a grandson, Grant Makeever and a brother, Robert Makeever.
Ray was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church where he had also served as choir director. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II. He earned his master’s degree from Northwestern University. Ray served as band director at Ottawa Township High School for 36 years prior to his retirement. He was “any and all things band!” as he led the band through numerous concerts, contests and several band tours creating a favored memory for many high school students. He directed award winning bands and received numerous recognitions of his talents on a state and national level. While under his directorship, the OTHS band was chosen to perform at the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Contest, a crowning achievement. He was a mentor to many students and student teachers and enjoyed giving private music lessons to numerous students. Ray’s motto of “Results, not excuses!” is one that has inspired and influenced many. He was a member of the American Bandmasters Association, was a past president of the Illinois Music Educators Association, and was a member of the Ottawa Community Concert Association and the Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra. Ray was also a member of the Kiwanis Club and was once named the Elks Club “Man of the Year.” Following retirement, Ray continued to serve the community by volunteering as a Medicare counselor at the Community Hospital of Ottawa. He was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather. Ray particularly enjoyed playing golf with Elaine, his wife of 69 years. He will be remembered by his loving family and the many students and faculty members he came in contact with during his illustrious career and lifetime as being a kind and patient man…always slow to anger…always a gentleman. Memorial contributions to Trinity Lutheran Church or the American Alzheimer’s Association in Ray’s honor would be most appreciated.
Ray is laid to rest in the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum, Sanctuary of Prayer.