Howard Dean Cray — Butler Funeral Home

Howard Dean Cray, a beloved resident of The Villas at South Park in Chatham, IL, died, surrounded by his loving family, on 07 June 2025.

Born in the family home at 1718 Oak Street, Quincy, IL, on 12 March 1935, Howard was the youngest of ten children born to Ralph James Cray and Claire McClean Cray. His middle name was a tribute to the great pitcher, Dizzy Dean, reflecting his mother’s love for baseball.

Howard’s journey through life was marked by dedication and love. He attended Quincy High School, Western Illinois State Teachers College (now Western Illinois University), and the University of Illinois. As a junior at Quincy High, he began working part-time for Gardner Denver Industries as an intern, a role he continued during his college summers.

On 18 June 1960, Howard married Marcia Helen Kuhlman, the love of his life, at St. John’s Catholic Church. Sadly, Marcia passed away in 2020, and Howard has missed her every moment since. Their family home, where they raised five beautiful, well-adjusted children, was at 2210 Jefferson Street in Quincy. They lived there for 60 years.

Howard’s professional life was equally remarkable. He worked as a mechanical product engineer for Gardner Denver Industries for 47 years, retiring in 1998. Even after retirement, he continued to contribute to GD through contract work for another ten years. GD was the only place he ever worked, a testament to his loyalty and dedication.

Howard served his country with pride in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1957-63. One of the highlights of his later years was his Honor Flight trip to Washington, DC, in 2022.

An enormously passionate fan of Quincy (College) University Soccer Hawks, Howard rarely missed a game since he first became a fan in 1974. In 2024, he was honored with the title of the first ever “SUPER FAN” for his 50 years of unwavering loyalty to the Soccer Hawk program.

Howard’s interests were diverse. He was a historical war buff with extensive knowledge of military aircraft. He was also an extremely skilled carpenter who remodeled the family home and assisted his children with their home projects. The Cray household was filled with wooden projects made by Howard and painted by Marcia.

He dedicated time to several civic and religious organizations, including the Knights of Columbus, the German Village Society, and was a lifetime member of the Twin Oaks Club.

Howard and Marcia loved traveling, both in the US and abroad, making many friends along the way. They frequently visited Germany to support the Quincy Sister City Program and Marcia’s ancestry passion.

Howard was liked and respected by everyone who met him, known for his kindness, patience, and helpful nature.

Howard is survived by his children, Andrea (Dave) Miller of Troy, MO, Barbara (Joe) Lokaitis of Springfield, Cristina Cray of Springfield, Tim (Sally) Cray of Rochester, Mary Farnsworth of Chatham, and son-in-law Mike (Polly) Schrader of Rochester.

His grandchildren include Megan (Adam) Matzat, Allison (Max) Jackson, Clark (Marissa Wohlers) Miller, Erik (Grace Attiyeh) Lokaitis, James Cray, George Farnsworth, Claire (Lincoln Rogers) Farnsworth, Calista Cray, Samantha (Zach Schober) Schrader, Cindy Clark, Joe (Melissa) Lokaitis, Tim (Kim) Lokaitis, and Dylan (Kathy Lech) Schrader.

Howard was also blessed with five great-grandchildren who lovingly called him Papa Howie: Mackenzie and Maisie Matzat, Henry Jackson, and Liliana and Logan Lokaitis.

Howard is also survived by his brother David (Connie) Cray, sister-in-law Kathleen Kuhlman Angell, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his beloved Marcia, his parents, his parents-in-law, eight siblings, and several nieces and nephews.

The family will host services at Howard and Marcia’s graveside at Calvary Cemetery, 1730 North 18th Street in Quincy on 21 June 2025, beginning at 11:00 AM.

Memorials may be made to the Quincy University Men’s Soccer program, c/o Coach Carpenter, 1800 College Avenue, Quincy, IL 62301.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home – Springfield, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield.

Please visit www.butlerspringfield.com to offer your condolences.