Raymond "Tony" J. Puckett

Raymond J. “Tony” Puckett, 82, of 1481 N. Academy St., Galesburg, died at 10:10 p.m. on October 23, 2006 at Marigold Health Care Center, Galesburg.   Tony was born on May 29, 1924 in Lewistown, Illinois the son of Raymond and Oakla Coleman Puckett.  He married Marjorie J. Grant on September 25, 1948 in Galesburg.    Surviving are:  his wife Marjorie of Galesburg, one son Mark (Chris) of Galesburg, 3 daughters:  Debra (Ed) Merten of Graham, TX; Melanie (Jim) Verheyen of Galesburg; and Tina Puckett of Cameron; and one grandson Grant Oyler and one granddaughter Ashley Puckett.  Also surviving is one brother Bob Puckett of Galesburg.  Tony was preceded in death by his parents and one brother.  Tony graduated from Corpus Christi High School in 1942 and from Worsham College of Mortuary Science.  He served in the United States Air Force during WW II.  He owned and operated First and Puckett Funeral Home in Galesburg for several years.  He then owned and operated American Motors in Galesburg for 12 years.  He last worked at the US Post Office in Galesburg for 10 years.  Tony was past president of the local Jaycees and vice president of the National Jaycees.  He was a member of Ralph M. Noble American Legion Post #285, VFW Post #2257, Elks lodge #894, and 4th Degree member of Fr. J.O. Hunt, Knights of Columbus Council 556.  He was a member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday October 28, 2006 at Corpus Christi Church, with the Rev. Joseph Presley officiating.  Visitation will be on Friday October 27 from 6 - 8 p.m. at Watson Funeral Home.  Burial will be in East Linwood Cemetery, with military honors conducted by Ralph M. Noble American Legion Post #285.  Memorials may be made to National Parkinson’s Foundation.