Ray Dean Stemen

Ray Dean Stemen, 93, of Lancaster, went home to his Lord and Savior on Monday, November 9, 2026 at the Pickering House. He was born June 10, 1933 in Fort Jennings, Ohio the son of Elmer W. and Harriet (Foulkes) Stemen.

Ray served in United States Army for two years. Following his military service, he returned to The Ohio State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Education in 1960. Ray began his career in education in the early 60's, teaching vocational agriculture at various locations throughout Ohio. From 1965 to 1970, he was employed at Riverdale High School in Mount Blachard, Ohio. He subsequently joined Fairfield Union High School, where he taught from 1970 until his retirement in 1986. Following his retirement, Ray returned to teaching vocational agriculture in Lancaster, Ohio from 1990 to 1994. Over the course of his career, Ray devoted more than three decades to agricultural education, serving students and schools throughout Ohio. Ray was a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church since 2013.

Ray is survived by his children, Rick (Kutz) Stemen and Deb (Michael) Parrish; grandsons, Drew and Ian (Kelsey) Parrish; great-grandson, Theodore; brother, Will (Karis) Stemen; sisters, Mary Diller and Grace Foraker; brother-in-law, Rich (Linda) Colby; sister-in-law, Carol (George) Chitty; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Judith Kay "Judy" (Colby) Stemen; Judy's parents, George and Katherine Colby; and brothers, Robert (Leola) Stemen; and brother-in-law, Dave Diller.

A time to visit with Ray's family will be Monday, November 16th from 5 - 8 PM at Morgan Funeral Home, 124 Fort Street, Bremen, OH . Funeral services will be held Tuesday, November 17th at 11 AM in Ebenezer Baptist Church, 6935 Twp Rd 234, Logan, OH.

Graveside services will follow at Ebenezer Cemetery. Contributions in Ray's memory may be made to the Missionary Fund at Ebenezer Baptist Church.