Richard E. Lay

Richard E. Lay, 77 of Millstadt, Illinois passed away peacefully at his home on Friday July 2, 2021 with is beloved wife by his side. Richard was born on December 22, 1943 in Washington Park, Illinois to Arthur and Marianne Lay, nee Schwartz, and they precede him in death. Richard was also preceded in death by his brothers; William and James Lay and a brother-in-law, Roger Gestes.

Richard proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy. Upon returning from his service, Richard married his beloved wife, Barbara Lay, nee Gestes on April 1, 1967 in East St. Louis, Illinois. He then began his career with the East St. Louis Fire Department, working for 22 years and achieving the rank of Captain. After his retirement from the fire department, he then worked for the Casino Queen for another 22 years in security. In his spare time, Richard loved to play golf and collect a variety of guns. He loved shooting target practice with his family. Richard was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and his greatest joy in life was spending time with his family and friends. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Left to cherish his memory is his beloved wife of 54 years, Barbara Lay, nee Gestes of Millstadt, Illinois, his daughter, Donna K. Raskas of Scottsdale, Arizona, and his granddaughter, Jordyn McCarty also of Scottsdale, Arizona; his sisters, Barbara (David) Imber of Belleville, Illinois and Patricia “Patty” Russel, also of Belleville, Illinois; his brothers and sisters-in-law; Patricia (the late William) Lay of Freeburg, Illinois, Diane (the late James) Lay of Swansea, Illinois, Margaret Gestes of Freeburg, Illinois, Kathryn Rauk of Belleville, Illinois, Deborah Storey of Belleville, Illinois, Dale (Laurie) Gestes of Freeburg, Illinois, Deynise Gestes of Belleville, Illinois, Darren (Mary) Gestes of Freeburg, Illinois, Valerie Gestes of Belleville, Illinois and Terry (Darah) Gestes of Glen Carbon, Illinois in addition to many nieces, nephews, extended family and beloved friends.

Memorial contributions in memory of Richard E. Lay may be made to Backstoppers.
The family is planning a celebration of life service for a later date.