Ray Bode, 70, of Elkhart, passed away on Saturday, June 21, 2025 at his home surrounded by his family.

Ray was born on May 24, 1955  in Joliet, IL to the late George Wesley Bode and Elizabeth Edna (Koerner) Bode. He married the love of his life, Debora Kae (Gongwer) Bode on April 30, 1988 in Elkhart.

Ray is survived by his wife of 37 years, Deb Bode; children, Wesley R. Bode and Heather K. Bode (Jaime Castellanos) all of Elkhart; 4 grandchildren, Natalie, Gabriella, Solomon and Elias; adopted son, Tim Bailey of Elkhart; his beloved cat, Sabrina and many friends.

Ray previously lived in Joliet, IL before moving to Elkhart in 1985. He served his country in the US Marine Corp during the Vietnam era. Ray attended community college in Joliet, IL. He was a jack of all trades. In Joliet, IL, Ray was employed as a prison guard.

After moving to Elkhart, he was a truck driver and security guard. Ray was employed at Crown Audio, Zern; Employers Security and Culligan Water.

Ray and Deb are faithful members of Creekside Church of the Brethren. They enjoyed car rides together.

Ray was a talented trombone and trumpet player. He had an appreciation of mother nature and gardening. Ray enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing and camping. Ray loved watching sports in his spare time especially high school football.

Ray was a huge animal lover especially dogs and cats.

Ray never met a stranger. He enjoyed talking with people and making new friends everywhere he went. He will be greatly missed.

A Memorial Service for Ray will be held at 4:00pm on Monday, July 14, 2025 at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, IN 46514 with Pastor Rosanna McFadden of Creekside Church of the Brethren. Military honors will be rendered preceding the service from the Elkhart Honor Guard and Northern Indiana Patriot Guard.

Visitation will be held for 1 hour prior to the start of service from 3:00pm to 4:00pm at the funeral home.

For those that wish to send a condolence, share a memory or order flowers may do so at www.billingsfuneralhome.com.