Ray D. Tarleton

Ray D. Tarleton, 82, of Lake Barrington passed away peacefully at home on December 16, 2017.  He was born in Dayton, OH on January 21, 1935 to Fred and Esther Tarleton.

Ray graduated from Drake University and spent most of his career as an engineer with Ford Motor Company, retiring in 1987.    In 1956, he married the love of his life, Sue.  They recently celebrated their 61st anniversary.

Ray served in the US Army.  He was honored as a Chicago Jefferson Award for Public Service finalist in 1996 for his extensive volunteer work in the community.   Ray was an active volunteer with Special Olympics, Meals on Wheels, St. Joe’s Soup Kitchen, Golden Kiwanis, B.U.G. (Bring Up Grades), and he started a reading program for kindergarteners in Lansing, IL.   He also served as president of the Lansing Jaycees.   Ray was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Lansing.   He enjoyed reading about military history and, especially, the Bible.   He played in a senior basketball league well into his 60s.

Ray was a devoted father and grandpa who inspired his daughters and grandchildren to pursue their passions and to be the best they could be.  He never lost his sense of humor or his classic sense of style.   He will be sadly missed by many.

Survivors include his loving wife, Sue; daughters, Lori (Kevin) Rowe and Staci (Jerry) Cronin; grandchildren, Leslie (Jared Epstein) Rowe, Hailey Rowe, Chris Cronin, and Holly Cronin; and his precious kitty, Spenser.

An intimate memorial will be held for dear family and friends on Wednesday, December 20, at 11 am at Wynstone Golf Club, 1 South Wynstone Dr., North Barrington.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Ray’s name to your favorite animal rescue charity.