Raymond E.Switzer, III, age 76 of Maryville, IL, born October 25, 1937 in Pittsburgh, PA, passed away on Thursday, November 14, 2013, at his residence.

Ray was a veteran of the United States Navy. After his military service, Ray worked and retired from SIU in 1986 and worked for Senator Sam for 20 years. He was a member of the St. Paul United Church of Christ in Edwardsville, Illinois.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond Earl II and Loretta Switzer, and step-mother, Marie; one brother, Bill Switzer; one sister, Loretta Switzer; brother-in-law, Amos Watson; and in-laws, Helen and Bud Conner.

Ray is survived by his wife Avis Janette nee Watson Switzer of Maryville, whom he married on February 24, 1994; two sons, Raymond Earl (Lynn) of Troy, IL and Chris Switzer of Edwardsville, IL; two step-sons, Mark D. Crabtree (Dawn) of Granite City, IL and James Allen (Kris) Crabtree of Glen Carbon, IL; two sisters, Barbara and Dorothy, both of Pittsburgh, PA; sister-in-law, Jane Huddleston of Hardy, AR; brother-in-law, Bill Watson (Mary) of Wilsonville, MO; granddaughter, Lisa Switzer of Troy, IL; two step-great grandchildren, Emmaleigh and Gregory Scott.

Visitation will be from 3pm to 7pm Saturday, November 16, 2013, at Barry Wilson Funeral Home, 2800 North Center Street (Hwy. 159) in Maryville, IL.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society,5 Schriber Ct. #C, Maryville, IL 62062.