Raymond Steadmon

Raymond Hugh Steadmon, age 87, of Texas Township, MI passed away peacefully at his home on November 10, 2016 surrounded by his loving family. Ray was born May 16, 1929 in Danville, Alabama, the son of Joseph Chapman Steadmon and Gladys Elizabeth (Dawson) Steadmon. Ray proudly served in the United States Army as a Combat Engineer in the Korean War. Following his honorable discharge from the service, he moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan where he began working at St. Regis Paper Company. It was there that he met the true love of his life, MaryAnn McKinney. Ray and MaryAnn were married on February 26, 1956, in Bristol, Indiana. They enjoyed 59 years of marriage prior to MaryAnn passing in 2015. Ray and MaryAnn had three children, all of whom survive Ray. He leaves behind his son, Raymond Dale (Robin) Steadmon of Lawton, his daughters, Patricia (Daniel) Thompson of Texas Township and JoAnn (Matthew) Stevens also of Texas Township. He was blessed with six grandchildren, Raymond Carl (Amber) Steadmon, Rachel Choein (Matthew) Bianchi, Scott Steadmon Thompson, Stacy AnnMarie Thompson, Samantha Jo Stevens and Brody James Stevens and a great-granddaughter, Lilliana Ray Steadmon. Ray is also survived by his sister, Verna (Dave) Sherwood of Surfside Beach, SC, and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, Ray was preceded in death by his brothers, Clinton and Earl Steadmon, sister Helen Jeffreys, and infant siblings Archie and Evelyn Steadmon. In 1988, Ray retired as the Mill Superintendent from Allied Paper after 35 years of dedicated service. Following his retirement, Ray and MaryAnn moved to Lawton, Michigan where they shared many wonderful years together having fun with their grandchildren on their mini-farm. Ray and MaryAnn eventually made their way back to Texas Township where they lived their remaining years together. Ray will be remembered by his family as a proud family man with a strong work ethic and exceptional strength. He was very athletic and participated in many sports. Ray coached and umpired many of his son's baseball and his daughter's softball teams. Ray is known by his friends and neighbors for always having an amazing garden and a meticulous lawn. At Ray's request, cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 17 beginning at 4:00 p.m. at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 South 9th Street, Kalamazoo, where a memorial service will be held at 6:00 p.m. Ray's cremains will be interred at Fort Custer National Cemetery with military honors at a later date. In memory of Ray, contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Battle Creek VA Medical Center, or Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan.