Connersville native, Ray E. Reisinger passed away Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at the age of 73.  The son of Clarence and Betty E. Hamilton Reisinger, Ray was born on February 26, 1951.

Following his graduation from Connersville High School in 1969, Ray enlisted in the United States Navy.  He was stationed at the Naval Intelligence Command Headquarters as a courier.  Ray was entrusted to deliver confidential information from one General to another during the Vietnam War.  He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal.  Ray proudly served his country for four years prior to his honorable discharge.  After retuning home, Ray began working at Roots Blower Company as a machinist and later a tool and die maker; he retired after 25 faithful years.   Ray married the former Karen Rowe on March 31, 1992, in Memphis, Tennessee.  They shared nearly thirty years together prior to Karen's death on March 30, 2021.

Ray was a funny man with an onery sense of humor.  He was always there for a good joke and big laugh, which was occasionally…at your expense.  Ray was also an exceptionally gifted musician.  As a child, he taught himself to play the piano and guitar by ear.  As he aged, his talents and love for music grew with him.  He began writing, composing, singing, and recording his very own songs.  Ray played his music for hundreds of people at venues across the state.  He even had the opportunity to record some of his music in John Cougar Mellencamp's studio.  However, Ray's favorite place to sing and spend time was with his family.  He adored camping with his wife and children, especially at Spring Mill State Park and Clifty Falls.  He was a loving husband and father who adored spoiling his "girls".  Though his children will miss him dearly, they will always remember what he told them, "Never turn away a stranger, because you never know when it'll be God at your door."

Ray is survived by his daughters and their husbands, Martha "Marfy Jean" and Chad Price, Kimmy and Eddie Craig, Kelly and Shane Robinson; bonus children and their spouses: Crystal and Ronnie Barksdale, Sharon and David Parsley, Jon and Shannon Lakes; brother: Roy Reisinger; grandchildren: Skylar and Christopher Lakes, Baylea and Zach Dye, Kelsie Craig, Brendan Robinson, Cain and Maddie Robinson, Damian and Sierra Barksdale, Gavin Parsley, Skylar Parsley; bonus grandchildren; Kristina Barksdale, Felicity and Logan Keller, Lennon and Hailey Lakes; great grandchildren: Kayden Bunch, Lanie Lakes, Slater Isaacs, Adalynn Newton, Carson Ray and one on the way: Cade Michael; nieces and nephews; Scott E. Reisinger, Sarah Reisinger, Amy Lynn Reisinger, Katie Reisinger; special friends: Rick Isaacs, Larry Small; kitty cat: Cupcake.

In addition to his parents and wife Karen, Ray is preceded in death by his sister: Judith Ann Reisinger; granddaughter: Madison Lakes.

Ray was a simple man.  His family has requested that when you attend his services you wear your favorite flannel shirt and jeans or your favorite concert or band T-shirt in his honor.

Funeral services for Ray will be held at Urban Winkler Funeral Home on Monday, January 20, 2025, at 1:00 pm.  Friends and family may gather from 11:00 am until the hour of the service.  Ray will be laid to rest at Dale Cemetery.