Raymond Alender's Obituary
Raymond L. Alender, 99, of Vandalia, IL passed away Monday, October 17, 2022 at the Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans, LA.
Funeral Services for Mr. Alender will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, October 26, 2022 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Vandalia with Pastor Timothy Landskroener officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9:00-11:00 AM, Wednesday, October 26, 2022 at the church. Interment will follow in Fairlawn Cemetery, Vandalia with Military Rites accorded at the graveside by Crawford-Hale American Legion Post #95, Vandalia & Brownstown VFW Post #9770. In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials may be made to the Holy Cross Lutheran Church - Radio Ministry. Online condolences can be expressed at www.hohltandfilefh.com
Raymond L. Alender was born on November 11, 1922 in Shobonier, IL, the son of Andy and Edrie (Carter) Alender. He married Violet Julia (Henager) on November 28, 1942; with this union, they celebrated 55 years of marriage and raised two sons. She preceded him in death on February 21, 1998. He later married Maribelle (Leidner) Beckman on September 30, 1999; they shared 20 years of marriage before her passing on January 05, 2020.
Raymond was a proud WWII Veteran. He was drafted in the United States Army in February of 1943; serving as a Military Policeman until February of 1946. While active, he completed 28 months of foreign service; mostly in the cities of Cheltenham and London, England. He was then in the Army Reserves for 30 years; retiring November 11, 1982, at the age of 60, as First Sergeant.
In his civilian life, Raymond was a foreman/plant manager for the Vandalia Leader Union; retiring after 40 years of employment in 1988. He enjoyed working in the yard and anything to do with the military; he was quite the historian, studying and learning everything he could about armed conflict. Raymond was a lifetime member of the Crawford-Hale American Legion Post #95; holding a membership for 74 years. He was also a member of V.F.W Post #3862 and Holy Cross Lutheran Church.
He is survived by his sons, Mike Alender and wife Tina of Lovington and Jeff Alender of Cartersville, GA; step-sons, Gene Beckman and wife, Nona and Jeff Beckman and wife, Mona, both of Vandalia; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, step-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and good friend, Linda Hanabarger of Ramsey.
Preceded in death by his parents; wife, Violet; wife, Maribelle; step-son, Steve Beckman; brother, Chester; and sisters, Sibley and Barbara.
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