Dale Raymond

Roxana:

Dale Raymond, 78, passed away at 2:20pm on Thursday, October 19, 2023, at River Crossing of Alton. He was born on December 8, 1944, in Alton, the son of the late Walter A. and Dorothy June (Christians) Raymond. He married the former Marjorie Cooper on July 10, 1971, in Alton, and she preceded him in death on December 7, 2018. Survivors include one brother: Richard Raymond of Alton, one daughter: Julie Huppert (Scott Fennewald) of East Alton, two sons and a daughter in law: Mark and Rhonda Mertz of Roxana, Brad Mertz of Flets Mills, New York, eight grandchildren: Danny Mertz, Kyle Mertz, Shawn Mertz, Kristen Mertz, Connor Huppert, Ella Huppert, Emily Huppert, Rick Skiff (Mandy), eight great grandchildren, and many other extended family and friends.

Dale served in the United States Air Force for twenty - eight years. He then went to work for the federal government for thirty - five years prior to his retirement. He also served the Roxana Police Department as a Reserve Officer since 1983, conducted Continued Police Training in areas of Firearms, Handcuffing, OCAT, Mace, Baton, and Domestic Violence through 2012, was the Police Rifle Instructor since September 2009, and was appointed the Assistant Range Master May 2012. Dale received the Police Firearms Instructor Certified as “Expert” in September 2004. In addition, he served the Village of Roxana as a Board Trustee from 2017 to 2022.

Dale was a member of the Blue Knights International Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club, IL Chapter 14, for forty - three years. He received the Meritorious Service Award on June 14, 2000, from the Blue Knights.

Dale was a lifetime member of the Wood River Masonic Lodge #1062 and served as the Treasurer and Chairman of the Pancake Sausage Breakfast committee which helped to raised funds for scholarships offered to Roxana and East Alton Wood River high school students.

He was a longtime member of the Wood River Moose Lodge #1349 where he served on the Board as Treasurer in the past.

In addition to his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by a son: Todd Mertz.

In accordance with his wishes, cremation rites will be accorded. A Masonic ceremony will be held at 1pm followed by a celebration of life until 5pm on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at Bossanova, 112 West Third, Alton, Illinois 62002.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Roxana Police Auxillary or Backstoppers.