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Funeral: 11:00 AM on Monday, April 7, 2025, at Frank and Bright Funeral Home
Visitation: 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home
Interment: Zif Cemetery
Ray W. Hosselton, age 89, of Louisville, Illinois, passed away April 2, 2025, at Axiom Healthcare, Flora, Illinois. He was born November 5, 1935, in Zif Township, Illinois, the oldest son of Fred and Alma (Atteberry) Hosselton.
Ray first married Shirley Davis who preceded him in death. He later married Francis (Pickel) Sweeney on the anniversary of her birthday, November 19, 1978, just three weeks after they met.
Ray and Francis were co-owners and operators of Ray and Frankie’s Machine Shop in Louisville, Illinois, for thirty years. Ray taught himself everything he knew about mechanics and machine-shop work; he even fixed the bus that he and his friends rode to school. A few days before his passing, he said he could go to the shop and pick up a piece of metal and make something. His mind was able, but his body wasn’t. He was a lifetime member of NRA/Moose Lodge, Flora, Illinois, and a member of Louisville Christian Church, Louisville, Illinois. Ray also enjoyed photography, technology, dancing and country music.
Ray is survived by his adopted son, Roger Hosselton; several grandchildren, nieces and nephews; step-son, Mike (Debbie) Sweeney; several step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; both of his wives; brother, Galen D. Hosselton; step-daughter, Donna (Sweeney) Pontious; step-grandson, Eric Pontious and step-great-grandson, Brandon Roddy.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, April 7, 2025, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home, Flora, Illinois, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Ray’s step-grandson, Mikey Sweeney, will be officiating. Following the service, burial will be in Zif Cemetery, Clay City, Illinois.
Memorial contributions may be made to Louisville Christian Church and will be received by Frank and Bright Funeral Home, 500 North Main Street, Flora, Illinois. Condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.frankandbright.com.
May 15, 1949 - Apr 24, 2025
Jan 29, 1945 - Apr 24, 2025
Nov 3, 1947 - Apr 23, 2025
Nov 11, 1948 - Apr 12, 2025
Oct 4, 1937 - Apr 11, 2025
So sorry to hear of Ray’s passing he was one of the nicest and smartest man I have ever had the privilege of knowing. RIP Ray
Mike, Debbie and Family: I’m sorry for your loss. Prayers for God’s comfort in the coming days.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
So sorry to hear this. He was one great man
So sad to hear of the passing of Ray. I grew up south of Clay City just down the road from where his parents lived and Ray, Shirley and Roger lived just up the road north. I spent many hours in his repair shop with my dad. Our favorite was to go get a bottle of soda out of the old machine (10cents) Roger was like a brother to me and Randy as we all grew up together. Our families were best of friends and used to go camping to IL State Fair and Duquion Fair every year too. I dont know all the stories but I do know my dad and Ray had some pretty good road trips back in the day too!!
Hearing of Ray’s passing was a sad day for me because he was so special to Rex and Rexford. They were more than just friends, they were family. Sympathies to his family and friends.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Words can not express the admiration I had for Ray. We met when he first opened his shop in Louisville. I was working at North Clay, taking care of the school buses & I helped my dad on the farm. At that time I was doing king pins and all kind of other repairs at school and many other things on the farm that needed machine work. Ray was quick and reasonable priced. He could always figure out how to make something work. Of course, I can't just drop a part off or pick it up and run. Ray and I would almost always engage in conversation about anything under the sun. At one time, I was spending my lunch time at his shop. My oldest son even spent a day with him while he was deciding if he wanted to go into machine work. I could probably write volumes about the conversations we had. I extend my heartfelt condolences to Ray's family and please know that you are in my prayers. Until we meet again, my wise old friend, you will be resting and singing praises to our Lord!
Frank & Bright Funeral Home
and Cremation Services
500 North Main Street
Flora, Illinois 62839
Phone : (618) 662-2141
Fax: (618) 662-4600
Email: [email protected]
