Raymond E. Short

Raymond E. Short, 94, formally of Anderson, IN, passed away on August 24, 2024. He was the third son born to Robert and Lena (Seidler) Short on September 7th, 1929. He spent his young life in Martins Ferry, Ohio always trying to keep up with his older brothers Bob and Ralph. Ray was a natural athlete who excelled in track, football, and basketball at Martin's Ferry High School. He was strong-willed, intelligent, and self-reliant and brought integrity and commitment to everything he attempted. 

He graduated from MFHS in 1947 and worked one year at a blast furnace lab before enlisting in the United States Air Force. He was discharged in 1952 after being stationed in Japan during the Korean War. 

Using his GI benefits, Ray enrolled at Ohio State University majoring in Industrial Management. He spent four years playing on the OSU basketball team. Go Buckeyes! After graduation in 1956, Ray was hired at Delco Remy in Anderson, IN. While at work, Ray picked up a company magazine called GM Folks and noticed a very attractive woman modeling on the cover. In 1957, he married that cover girl, Patricia Manley. Ray and Pat were blessed with a large and loving family. Together they raised six children with patience, humility, and love. One of Ray's famous quotes includes: "I could have been a millionaire but instead I had six children and that's what life is about - Family." 

Ray worked hard at everything he put his hands on and created magic. He possessed artistic qualities and technical know-how for working with stained glass. This became his passion after retiring in 1989. 

Among his interests and hobbies were golf, racquetball, volunteering, travel, and horseracing. Many of his birthday celebrations were held at Hoosier Park where he was in his element when it came to studying the horses. Ray's favorite Father's Day gift was when his children bought him part ownership of a race horse. Jokingly, they said they could only afford the tail but Ray was thrilled nonetheless and was able to stand in the winner's circle more than once. 

He kept his wonderful sense of humor even to the end, and that was a great comfort to his family. He had an unbelievable sense of gratitude for his life and all the wonderful people who were in it. He proved you don't need to pursue some great calling beyond loving the people around you to make a sizable impact. 

Ray was a devoted husband for 67 years to Patricia Manley Short; a beloved father to Kristine (Michael) Matel of Indianapolis, IN, Sheri (Gerry) Weber of Winchester, MA, Sue Reas of Noblesville, IN, Jim (Marnie) Short of Venice, FL, Michelle (David) Shank of Fishers, IN, and Melissa (Lance) Anderson of McCordsville, IN. He was an attentive grandfather to fourteen grandchildren, including Nick and Sam Matel, Janie and Lucie Weber, Rebecca Krenzke, Samantha Drake, Matthew and Christopher Short, Andrew, Evan, Aaron, and Kyle Shank, Bailey Brotzman, Abby Anderson, a loving great-grandfather to Lincoln, Jovie, and Georgia Krenzke plus many beloved nieces, nephews and step grandchildren. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Lena Short, brothers Bob and Ralph Short, and son-in-law Evan Reas. 

Don't regret growing older. It's a privilege denied by many.

Visitation for family and friends will take place on Friday, October 4, 2024 from 10:00am -12:00pm at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 1115 Pearl Street, Anderson, Indiana. Following visitation a Funeral Mass will take place at 12:00pm at the church.

Memorial donations can be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society of Anderson PO Box 951, Anderson, IN 46016 or St. Mary's Catholic Church, Anderson, IN

Bozell Funeral Homes, Brown-Butz-Diedring Chapel, 515 East 53rd Street, Anderson, Indiana 46013 is honored to care for the family of Ray Short.

Online condolences may be shared at: www.bozellfuneralhomes.com