COLUMBUS
Raymond Eli Quillen, passed away Tuesday, March 17, 2020 at Our Hospice of South Central Indiana Inpatient Facility in Columbus. Raymond was born on April 10, 1931, in Russellville, Alabama, the son of Tommie M. Quillen and Lora Lee Thompson Quillen.
Raymond was one of six brothers and two sisters. As a child, he was tasked with helping around the family’s farm, which likely developed his love of gardening. Raymond was known for his expansive vegetable garden, sharing his unmatched tomatoes with family and friends. His yard was filled with flowers that were his true summer passion.
Raymond served in the US Army and enjoyed talking about the time he spent in Germany, sharing words he could remember of the German language with others. After leaving the army Raymond moved to Indiana, as did most of his brothers, where he began working for Cosco, Inc., which is now Dorel Juvenile Group.
Raymond married the love of his life, Annie Ruth Mathews Quillen, on January 6, 1956. They spent nearly 64 years together and were blessed with three wonderful children. Raymond Douglas Quillen who preceded his parents in death, Roxana Quillen of Columbus Indiana, and Myra (James) Kirchberg of Crystal Lake, Illinois.
In later years, Raymond and his bride were blessed with six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. In addition to gardening, Raymond enjoyed bowling and playing cards with his wife and best friends.
Raymond was preceded in death by his parents; his son, and more recently, his wife. He spent only a few months without her.
Ever the gentleman, he did not make her wait long to reunite. Although Raymond faced health challenges in his later years, he enjoyed nothing more than being surrounded by family and friends. He especially looked forward to his visits with his family and hugged his great- grandchildren every chance he got!
A celebration of life service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, August 15, 2020 at Garden City Church of Christ with Brian Gilroy and Virgil Clotfelter officiating.
Family and friends may call from 1:00 p.m. to time of service at the church.
We do ask visitors to follow social distancing guidelines and masks are required in the church.
Military honors will be presented by the Bartholomew County Veterans Honor Guard.
The family request that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the Quillen family at barkesweaverglick.com
Arrangements by Barkes, Weaver & Glick Funeral Home.
