----Source: Tribune-Record-Gleaner 11/10/1976

LONG-TIME LOYAL RESIDENT RAY PRIOR SUCCUMBS

Mr. Ray A. Prior, 93, died at 3:30 p.m. Wed., Nov. 3, 1976 at St. Joseph's Hospital, Marshfield, where he had been admitted Saturday. He suffered a stroke on Friday at his home and was transported to the Marshfield Hospital by the Loyal Ambulance.

Committal services were at 10:00 a.m. Saturday at the Loyal Cemetery, followed by a 10:30 a.m. Memorial service at the Loyal Methodist Church, with the Rev. Eugene Carlson officiating.

Masonic rites were held Friday evening at 8 p.m.

Mr. Prior was born Oct. 8, 1883, in the Town of Sherman, Clark County.

He was married to Addie Colby June 5, 1907 at Crystal Lake, Ill. She preceded him in death on Sept. 10, 1976. He was educated at Loyal.

After their marriage the couple moved to Loyal, living there until 1913, when they went to Wauconda, Ill., where they operated a general store for 13 ears, returning again to Loyal in 1926. For the past 50 years they made Loyal their home. Mr. Prior was an active agent for the American Family Insurance Company.

He served on the Board of Education for 26 years and also on the Cemetery Board for the past 20 years.

In 1957 they had their golden Anniversary and in 1972 their 65th.

Mr. Prior was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Masonic Lodge, F AM No. 335, United Methodist Church, Methodist Men's Club, and Rotary Club.

Surviving are two sons, Calvin R. Prior, Greenwood and Norman H. Prior, Marshfield two daughters, Mrs. Edward (Ora Lee) Geise, and Mrs. Raymond (Muriel) Ewert, Crystal Lake, Ill. 16 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death besides his wife was a son, Robert K. Prior, a granddaughter, 1 brother, 2 sisters and 1 half sister.

Rinka Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.