Obituaries

Raymond M. Hammack

February 8th, 1963 – October 17th, 2025

Raymond M. Hammack, 62, of Astoria, IL, passed away at 4:34 pm on Friday, October 17, 2025 at Graham Hospital in Canton, IL. He was born on February 8, 1963 in Rushville, IL, the son of Dale and Doris (Harn) Hammack. Raymond married Tracey Peek on July 8, 2011 in Rushville, IL. She survives.

Also surviving is one daughter; Cady (and Kalli) Hammack of Seguin, TX, step-daughter; Sasha (and James) Backstein of Riverton, IL, step-son; Albert (and Shelby) Peek of Mechanicsburg, IL, twelve grandchildren, two brothers; Marvin (and Sue) Hammack of Browning, IL and David (and Juanita) Hammack of Astoria, and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by one daughter; Stephanie Michele McCombs, his parents, grandson; Lucas Backstein, and brother, Tim Hollis.

He was the owner and operator of Best Rate Welding in Astoria.

Raymond enjoyed video poker, working on heavy machinery, playing cards and dice with his family, fabricating welding art, watching TV Shows and movies and listing to 70’s music.

A visitation will be held from 5 to 7 pm on Thursday, October 23, 2025 at Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria. Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

Condolences

October 19th, 2025

Prayers to you and family he was an amazing fellow and could get ya to chuckle he was well loved by his grandkids I love listening to their stories when they came home and came to our house loved the stories they loved him dearly

October 19th, 2025

Prayers to you and family he was an amazing fellow and could get ya to chuckle he was well loved by his grandkids I love listening to their stories when they came home and came to our house loved the stories they loved him dearly we shared grandkids because of Albert being with shelby they will not ever forget you nor will he. Stories and memories go on forever and you gave that to them and whoever you met you are now their guardian angel to watch over from above for all you will be missed but not forgotten

October 19th, 2025

Raymond was a wonderful, caring man that I will miss very much. Rest in peace love you.

October 19th, 2025

So sorry for your loss my heart n prayers for u n your family ❤️🙏🌹

October 20th, 2025

Raymond you will be dearly missed by all who knew you . Such a funny guy and so loving . After knowing you for over 40 years , losing our conversation, they always left me smiling after we said bye . You were the brother I never had . Raymond I will always love you and miss you .THIS HAS BROKEN MY HEART 💜

October 20th, 2025

Raymond I will miss you! I have tried to hold it together. And I have for the most part! I guess knowing you’re reunited with Steph again makes it hurt less. I’ll never forget our conversations and the pictures of poker wins you had. The beautiful pictures of the art you make with your welding skills! The way your eyes lit up when you talked about your wife and Steph and Cady. I looked up to you for so many reasons! I will always hold a spot in my heart for you! And next time I win at video poker… I’ll know it was you. Rest easy now.

October 20th, 2025

Raymond was my very first friend. We were neighbors and also we were classmates. I'm shocked & heartbroken. Sincere sympathy to all his families.
Bev Malott Taylor & family

October 20th, 2025

Thinking of you all!! ❤️ Always in our thoughts and prayers! Hugs!! The Irelands

October 20th, 2025

Condolences and prayers for the family.

October 21st, 2025

Our Condolences for the family that has suffered so much loss in the last few years. Saddened that We did not get to meet Raymond the Man that created the work of art BBQ Smoker that found it's way to Seguin, TX. Perhaps we can all BBQ in honor some day. We see the Love in Cady and will do our best to carry the Love and memory forward.

Monty Forehand and Family

October 21st, 2025

So sorry Linda Derry

October 23rd, 2025

I was shocked and so sorry to hear about Raymond, he was such a good guy! Had the privilege to know him for years. He was always so helpful to my Father and me through the years with his welding talent, he will be missed by many! Sincere condolences to his family, Dean Roddis

October 26th, 2025

Tracey I am so sorry to hear about Raymond he was a great man Buck at Virginia township

October 31st, 2025

I'm going to miss my bother and best friend got bless you