Ray L. Wilch, 86, died Oct. 20, 2017, at Bluffton Hospital.

Ray was born Oct. 7, 1931, in Jenera, Ohio, to Harvey and Roma Wilch, who preceded him in death. On May 1, 1977, he married Raelene (Campbell - Balmer) Wilch who survives.

Ray graduated from Bluffton High school in the class of 1949. In high school he was very athletic and was the captain of the football and basketball team.

Ray retired from Tuttle Construction in Lima where he was a bricklayer.

Survivors include: daughter, Cynthia (Jeffrey) Williams of Lima, two step son, Steven Balmer of Bluffton, David Balmer of Arlington, step daughter, Susan Balmer of Findlay, brother, Robert (Teresa) Wilch of Bluffton, nine grandchildren Jeff  (Melissa) Watt, John (Elizabeth) Watt, Jennifer (Mark) Lichak, Christopher Balmer, Caryn (Robert) Clinger, Samantha Wilch, Atticus Williams, Justin Williams, Megan Williams, and 15 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a daughter and two sisters, Louise E. Amstutz, and Levon Downey.

Services will be held Tuesday, October 24, at 11 a.m. at Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services - Bluffton. Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery following the service.

Visitation will be on Monday, Oct. 23, 5 - 7 p.m. at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Emmanuel United Church of Christ or the American Cancer Society. Condolences may be expressed to the family www.chiles-lamanfh.com