Raymond Author Tefft, age 90, passed peacefully in Worthington, Ohio on February 12, 2016. He was born in Erie, Michigan on July 24, 1925 to Floyd Nelson and Margaret Tefft. Ray served in the U.S. Army and Merchant Marines, during WWII. He worked for the Hunts Company and Crown Cork & Seal as a mechanic for a combined 30 years. Ray was a member of the Genoa Lodge #433 F.&A.M. and Mountain Mentors (United Methodist Foundation). Over the years, he attended Memorial United Church of Christ, Euclid U.M.C. and Summit U.M.C. Ray enjoyed volunteering with his wife, Cherry and their church family at Helping Hands of St. Louis and Euclid U.M.C.
Raymond is survived by his brother, Floyd (Fat); sister, Anna May Purtee; daughter, Cherry Egidi; grandchildren Tori Egidi Smart, Joshua Egidi and Kristen Egidi and beloved great- grandchildren Kylee, Maddy and Ghannia Ray. He is also survived by extended family, Judith Bee and family and he has many beloved nieces and nephews, whom enriched his life and whom he treasured. Ray was preceded in death by brothers, Dale, Donald, Richard, Robert, and William; sisters, Betty Pompelli and Rosella Wells; his first wife, Helen Eaton and her son, Paul Eaton; his wife, Cherry Leadbetter Tefft and son-in-law, Vince Egidi.
A memorial gathering will be held at Freck Funeral Chapel on Saturday, May 21, 2016 from 11-1 p.m. A memorial service will take place at 1 p.m. with Masonic services to follow. Memorial contributions may be made to the Chalmers P. Wylie Veterans Clinic 543 Taylor Ave. Columbus, OH. 43219.