Raymond Wechman

Raymond Wechman - Rocket Scientist

Raymond Wechman, 93, formally of Frostproof FL passed away peacefully on Nov 5, 2023 in Jacksonville. FL. Ray was born on the Southside of Chicago to Joseph and Anna Wechman on August 13, 1930. He was a proud graduate of Tilden Tech H.S. and the Illinois Institute of Technology. From there he briefly worked at Joliet Arsenal before being drafted. The Army sent him to a foreign land, Huntsville Alabama, where he worked at Redstone Arsenal alongside Werner Von Braun and the German engineers to develop rockets for the early space program, the Mercury, Gemini, and Saturn missions.

He met and wed his wife Carol Ann Wechman, and they remained married for 59 years, until her passing in 2017. After Huntsville, they moved to New Jersey in 1962 where he continued his engineering career with the US Army at Picatinny Arsenal until his retirement in 1985. They traveled several years in their motorhome before settling in Frostproof, FL for 19 years. They were very active in the Presbyterian church, and forever cherished their Frostproof friends. In 2017, they moved to Jacksonville to be closer to family.

Ray is preceded in death by his wife Carol and his brother Joe. He is survived by his sister Gloria, and his three children Raymond, Jr. (Janie), Debbie Stanglin (Mark), and Brian (Paulette). He was very proud of his grandchildren Tom, Stephen, and Stephanie, and his great­ granddaughter, Eleanor.

On Nov 15, Ray will be laid to rest alongside Carol in Floydsburg Cemetery, Crestwood, KY by Stoess Funeral Home. Interesting fact, Ray and Carol were married in 1958 in the chapel of that very same cemetery.

Funeral service will be 3pm, Wednesday, November 15th, 2023, Stoess Funeral Home, Crestwood with burial to follow in Floydsburg Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 1pm until time of service.

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