Perle C. Pray Obituary (1921 - 2017)

Perle C. Pray of Taylorville, formerly of Assumption, passed away on Sunday, May 14, 2017 in Taylorville Memorial Hospital. Mr. Pray was born July 18, 1921 in Montgomery County. He graduated from Rosamond High School and attended Eastern Illinois University Teachers College in Charleston, before entering the United States Navy in World War II. He married Evelyn King on September 25, 1949 at the Buckeye Methodist Church near Owaneco. He was a member of the Assumption United Methodist Church, a member of the Pana Masonic Lodge #226 AF&AM and Past Master and Treasurer. He was an honorary member of the Bromwell Masonic Lodge #457 AF&AM in Assumption. He was a member of the Ansar Shrine and Valley of the Springfield Consistory, the Christian County Shrine Club and Past President, Ansar Three Wheelers Parade Unit, and Past Captain, member, and Past Patron of Arcana Chapter 493 Order of the Eastern Star of Pana. He was a member of the Taylorville Senior Citizens Board and Past President. He was also involved with the Shriners Childrens Hospital. Mr. Pray resided in Atwood, Illinois from 1965-1972. He later moved to Assumption and worked with the Assumption Co-Op Elevator as manager of the Dunkel Elevator until his retirement in 1986. Mr. Pray is survived by his wife, Evelyn Pray, Taylorville, IL; son, Kent (Debbie) Pray, Springfield, IL; granddaughter, Jennifer Pray, Springfield, IL; grandson, Jeff Pray, Casper, WY; sister-in-law, Frances Pray, Coffeen, IL; several nieces & nephews, and grand nieces & grand nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents, Hardin & Grace Pray; his brother, Eugene; twin brother, Merle Pray; and sister-in-law, Roberta Pray. Funeral Information Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 18, 2017 in McCracken-Dean Funeral Home from 12:00-2:00 p.m. followed by Masonic rites at 2:00 p.m. by the Pana Masonic Lodge #226 AF&AM and a funeral service officiated by Rev. Chuck Banning & Pastor Rena Whitcher. Burial will be in Rosemond Grove Cemetery, Rosamond. Music: Karen Neece & Jack Erisman Honorary Bearers: Gary King, Terry King. Casket Bearers: Jeff Pray, Dwight Pray, Delmar Pray, Steve Brockelsby, Mike Barham, Ron Lawrence, Jennifer Pray,