Ray W. Hilbert

Ray W. Hilbert, 81, of 8744 Eberhart Rd. N.E., Dover and formerly of Strasburg passed gently to his eternal life on Saturday, July 5, 2014 while under the loving care of the Community Hospice House in New Philadelphia. He surrendered to a long time illness which had been both unrelenting and unforgiving.

Ray was a retired railroader and worked those streaks of rust for 41 years. He earned paychecks from the old WLE, Nickleplate, N&W, B&O, N&S, and even a few from the old New York Central. Never one to be still if he was not throwing switches, he was grabbing gears on eighteen wheels for other friends. He never turned down a job and was ALWAYS willing to do those tasks which no one wanted, whether it be switching at Republic Steel or accepting an invitation from Emanuel Mullet to work for Wilmot Mining as a 3rd shift oiler on a dragline because they could find no one to climb the crane boom in pitch black darkness.

Ray was born October 13, 1932 in Jewett, Ohio, the son of the late Harry Benjamin "Ikie" and Emma (McAfee) Hilbert. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a great grandson, a brother, Ralph (Pauline) Hilbert; three sisters, Revela (Frank) Givens, Irma Lee and Martha Hilbert.

Ray graduated from Jewett High School and proudly served his country in the U.S. Army with the military police at Fort Belvoir. He was a proud member of the United Transportation Union, the St. John United Church of Christ, AARP, and the Charles Hofer Post of the American Legion all in Strasburg. Ray was a visible fixture in the Strasburg community and was often seen on his bicycle traveling every inch of the community he loved and cared about.

He will be sadly missed by his family including his wife of 58 years, Lena Inez (Davis) Hilbert who became his bride on March 31, 1956; two daughters, Norma (Eugene) Marcinko and Susan (Jerry) Murphy both of Dover; his son, Larry (Theresa) Hilbert of Mansfield; nine grandchildren, Charity (Touby) Hamler, Heather (Aaron) Robinson, Paskal (Jess) Akers, Rachel (Zachary) Phillips, Eugene (Trey) Marcinko, Brian, Steven, Eric, and Ian Murphy; six great grandchildren and a brother in law, H. Marcus Lee.

Ray will be cremated and interment will be at a later date in the Fairview Cemetery at Jewett.

A memorial service celebrating Ray's life will be held Saturday, July 12, 2014 beginning at 2:30pm in the St. John United Church of Christ in Strasburg with Revs. Gary Friend and Ray's nephew David Lee officiating. The American Legion will conduct military honors at the conclusion of the service. A reception for family and friends will be held following the service in the church fellowship hall. Those unable to attend or who may wish to express a fond memory of Ray may sign the online guestbook by visiting the "obituaries and flowers" link on the funeral home website at www.tolandherzig.com

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Community Hospice House, 716 Commercial Ave. S.W., New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663 or the St. John UCC Organ Fund, 516 N. Wooster Ave., Strasburg, Ohio 44680

and know this-we are certain he was met beyond the pearly gates by many family and friends, each ready to return Ray's gift to them in this life. They will each have greeted him with a church service bulletin for him, as Ray had presented so many during his time here.