Raymond “Ray” Lee Wyant

Raymond "Ray" Lee Wyant, 74, of Colona passed away peacefully on Monday, January 8, 2024 surrounded by family. 

There will be no visitation and family will gather at a later date for a private celebration of his life.

Ray was born on October 22, 1949 in Milan, Missouri to William T and Virginia (Reger) Wyant.

He attended United Township High School and opted to join the workforce at a young age, working in a few shops before landing at John Deere Davenport Works where he would remain until his retirement.

Ray was a very hard worker and was always proud of the work he did. He had a vast collection of books which he used to increase his knowledge on almost any subject imaginable. He could make and fix anything and everything. Ray was also very innovative in his thinking and there was almost no problem that he could not solve.

Although Ray chose to reside in Illinois, he enjoyed the peace and solitude of the trips he’d make back to the family farm in Linneus, Mo to decompress when possible. He enjoyed being outside and was an avid gardener in his later years. When indoors, he could be found tinkering with computers, researching genealogy, or reading science fiction.

Ray did not marry and never had any biological children of his own, but he did choose to open his home to two of his nieces whom he cared for and treated as his daughters, who mourn his loss. Ray was also an incredibly doting Grandfather and Great Grandfather to their children. He was very generous with his time, knowledge and finances.

Survivors include his mother, Virginia Corwin (Colona); sister, Bethany (Charles) Ruhl (Colona); brother, Larry Wyant (Shawnee, Ok); niece, Dawn Rasso (Colona); niece, Jene (Carl) Rembold (Colona); niece, Kristal (Rob) Taft (Colona); niece, Stacy (Mike) Forde (Moline); nephew, Robert (Melissa) Fast II (Colona); great nephew, Nathan (Jessica) Sierra (Tucker, Georgia ); great niece, Caitlyn (Courtland) Filgo (Camanche); and great nephew, Seth (Heidi) Rembold (Wisconsin).

He was preceded in death by his father, William T. Wyant; brothers John Christopher Wyant and Sp 4 William Douglas Wyant; and a sister Mary Fast.