- Raymond L. Duvall, age 75, was called to his heavenly home on May 8, 2011 after a long battle with Alzheimer's. He was born on May 18, 1935 in Muhlenberg County, KY. Ray came to Northwest Indiana to find employment in 1953. He was employed by Gary-Hobart Water Corp. in 1955, retiring after 37 years of service. Ray coached Black Oak Little League and boy's basketball for Black Oak Elementary School. Ray leaves behind his wife, Ima Sue (Watkins) Duvall of 56 years. His love for Black Oak Baptist Church began when he accepted Christ as his Savior, January 16, 1955. Ray was an active church member; he led the music program, taught Sunday School, and served in the bus ministry. He was also active in other Baptist Churches in the area. In 1986, Ray and Ima Sue moved to Porter County on a small farm where their dream was fulfilled with their love for country living and animals. They especially enjoyed riding their horses and camping. He loved his family and was a good husband and father. Ray loved people and was greatly loved. He never met a stranger. Ray is survived by his wife, Ima Sue; three children: Colman Mark (Rita), Stephanie (Charlie) Spudic Ward, and Angela (Rick) Albertson; grandchildren: Amanda Ginther, Tyler and Tabitha Spudic, Brittany Collett, and Carson Albertson; step-grandchildren: Corey and Ryan Ashcraft, Brian Ward, and Ricky and Nick Albertson; five great grandchildren; five step-great grandchildren; sister, Bertha Kimmel of Greenville, KY; brother-in-law, Ravel (Christine) Watkins of London, KY; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents: Raymond and Neva Mae Duvall; and father and mother-in-law, Delmar and Polly Watkins. Ray's wish was that Tabitha, his granddaughter, ride her horse, Thunder and spread his ashes over the farm. To celebrate his home going, family and friends are invited to gather at Eastlake Baptist Church, 7121 E. Lincoln Highway (Rt. 30) Crown Point on Saturday May 14, 2011 with visitation from 10:00 AM until the time of funeral service at 1:00 PM with Rev. Kendall Nickell officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to Black Oak Baptist Church Food Pantry, 6502 West 25th Ave., Gary 46406 or Porter County 4-H Horse and Pony Project, 155 Indiana Ave., Suite 301, Valparaiso, IN 46383.
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