Ray Louis Orban's Obituary
Ray L. Orban, 94, passed away peacefully on Wednesday June 28, 2023, at his home, surrounded by loved ones. Ray was born Feb. 6, 1929, in Waupun, Wisconsin. He was the only son of Dr. Louis & Julianna Orban, and brother to Josephine.
Being the son of a Veteran’s Administration psychiatrist, he moved often during his childhood, living in Wisconsin, Arizona, New York, and Ohio. After graduating high school he joined the Air National Guard and attended the University of Wisconsin – Madison earning a Bachelors and Masters of Science in Chemical Engineering.
After graduation he worked for Rayovac as a chemical engineer. While living and working in Tennessee, Ray met and later married the love of his life, Patricia A. Moore. They exchanged their vows in the First Unitarian Church of Memphis, Tennessee on Oct. 24, 1959, and made their first home in Covington, Tennessee.
They soon moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where Ray worked for Prince Gardner Manufacturing. They purchased their first home in Horsham, Pennsylvania and later started a family, raising both a son and daughter. After nearly 20 years in Horsham, they relocated to Quincy, Illinois where Ray was a founding partner and partial owner of Westmin Corporation. They remained in Quincy for the next 35 years.
All throughout his life Ray had a deep love of history, especially World War II, and was a member of the International Winston Churchill Society. He enjoyed antiquing and woodworking. Ray had a profound love for animals and regularly visited and supported the local humane society. He was an accomplished checkers player, rarely losing to his grandchildren.
Ray is survived by his children, Neville (Carmen) Orban and Nadia (Erik) Kambarian; and grandchildren Brandon, Shay, Alyssa, Abbie, Madeline and Ian; as well as a number of other loving relatives, close friends, and his two devoted caregivers Nikki Cox and Rosie Moore.
SERVICES: A private memorial service was held on Friday June 30, 2023. Ray will be interred next to his loving wife Patricia and his beloved in-laws. For those who have known Ray in his fruitful journey with us, his graveside service will be held at the Memphis Memorial Park Cemetery in Memphis, Tennessee the week of July 4, 2023.
MEMORIALS: May be sent c/o the Memphis Memorial Park Cemetery 5668 Poplar Ave., Memphis, TN 38119.
DONATIONS: May be made to the International Winston Churchill Society or your local Humane Society in remembrance of Ray.
What’s your fondest memory of Ray?
What’s a lesson you learned from Ray?
Share a story where Ray's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Ray you’ll never forget.
How did Ray make you smile?
