James Raymond "Ray" Cown, 79, of Marshall, IL passed away 2:22 AM Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023 in Union Hospital at Terre Haute, IN. He was retired as a chief operator from Marathon. Ray was born Oct. 1, 1943 at Paris, IL, the son of Noah Raymond Cown and Iva Mae Garr Cown. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Mullen. Surviving are his wife, Karen Phillips Cown; children, Robert (Brenda) Cown of TN, Holly Lovett of Chrisman, IL, Rhett (Michelle) Galeener of Marshall, IL, Brett Galeener of LA, Katrina Rigs of Terre Haute, IN and Tracy (Jake) Shumacher of Mattoon, IL; eleven grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and a brother, Tom Cown. Following his retirement from Marathon he served as building inspector for the City of Marshall. He was a 1961 graduate of Martinsville High School and he truly enjoyed working in his yard and gardening. Public graveside services will be 11:00 AM Saturday, Sept. 23rd at Green Moss Cemetery with Pastor Joey Harryman officiating. Online condolences are being accepted at pearcefuneralservices.com.