Raymond David LaCourse Jr.

Raymond David LaCourse Jr , age 70, of Paw Paw died Tuesday, July 28, 2020 after battling a long illness. Ray was born to Raymond and Eva LaCourse Sr on February 8, 1950.

After graduating from Paw Paw High School in 1968, Ray served his country as a Sergeant in the United States Air Force specializing in cryogenics. After serving overseas Ray returned home to enjoy his hobbies of building and flying model aircraft, and rebuilding his 1964 Chevy Chevelle.

Ray was united in marriage with Terri Balch in 1978 and enjoyed being a father to his daughter and step son. There are many memories with him and his kids in the backyard goofing around and it seems like he was always fixing a bicycle. Ray and Terri divorced after a few years of marriage and continued to remain friends throughout the years.

After a short illness, Ray developed paralysis on the left side of his body. This did not stop him from rebuilding car engines and tinkering in his machining workshop. Ray enjoyed good food, watching science fiction, especially Star Trek, and reading about science and nature.

Survivors include his daughter, Renae Gonzalez; grandson, Anthony Gonzalez; step-son, Matthew (Katrina) Henson; and three step-grandsons, Matthew Jr, Christian, and Alex; former spouse, Terri Balch; one aunt, one uncle, and many cousins.

Cremation has taken place. A graveside service with Military Honors will be held at 2PM on Tuesday (AUG 4) at Prospect Hill Cemetery in Paw Paw. Visit Raymond’s personal webpage at www.BetzlerLifeStory.com where you may archive a favorite memory or photo, and sign his online guestbook. Arrangements by Betzler & Thompson Life Story Funeral Home, 60900 M-40 Hwy, Paw Paw, 269-657-3870.