Wes Ravens, of Milford, Illinois, went to be with Jesus peacefully in his home, surrounded by family, on July 9, 2026, at the age of 87. He was born on November 27, 1938, in Watseka, Illinois, the son of Lloyd and Ruth Ravens.
Wes lived a life marked by faith, hard work, and devotion to the people he loved. He was a lifelong farmer and cattle feeder. He served in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1960–1966.
Wes loved Jesus and instilled that same love in each member of his family. He was known for his wisdom and the calm, steady presence he brought to his family. He enjoyed spending time with his grandkids and great-grandkids, telling stories, and riding his Gator around the farm checking cattle.
His faith and family were the center of Wes’s life, and he treasured each generation that followed him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Ruth Ravens, and his sister, Marcia (Earl) Prasse. He is survived by his wife of 63 wonderful years, Charlene Ravens; his three children, Gayle (Jerry) Urich, Lloyd (Beth) Ravens, and Glenn (Tammy) Ravens; seventeen grandchildren, Britnie (Bill) Baker, Bree (Matthew) Wells, Jayde (Trevor) Norris, Beau Ravens, Brooke (Tyler) Moxley, Nick (Allison) Ravens, Will (Maddie) Ravens, Brynne (Wayde) McCutcheon, Ben (Megan) Ravens, Emma Ravens, Brielle (Brandt) Breymeyer, Mason Ravens, Lexi (Christopher) Kaeb, Wesley (Mackenzie) Ravens, Joshua Kaufman, Henry (Isabella) Ravens, and Braidee-Anne Urich; and fifteen great-grandchildren, Ty, Weston, Dekker, Merrick, Hallie, Brittlyn, Molly Mae, Lauren, Tucker, Natalie, Gentry, Maverick, Aubrey, Lindsey, and Clay.
He will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, and proud grandfather and great-grandfather.
Private services will be held at the Knapp Funeral Home in Milford with Bruce Ristow officiating. Burial will be in the Amity Cemetery near Goodwine with graveside military rites by the Cissna Park American Legion Post 527.
Memorials may be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospice, Milford Fire Department, or Wellington Fire Department.
“Yet as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last He will take His stand on the earth.” Job 19:25
Please share a memory of Wes at www.knappfuneralhomes.com.
