Raoul “Ray” LaChance, 95, passed away on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at Altercare of Bucyrus. Ray was born in Cleveland on November 27, 1929, to the late Alva “Jack” and Ruth (Simmermacher) LaChance.
Ray graduated from Willoughby High School, class of 1948. He later attended Bowling Green State University for two years before being drafted into the United States Army. While in the Army, he applied and was accepted into Officer Candidate School and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant with the Corps of Engineers and served at an Army Supply depot near Incheon, South Korea. After returning to the U. S., Ray joined his father at Galion Packaging Co., where he dedicated many years of hard work until his retirement in 1985.
Ray’s adventurous spirit shone brightly throughout his life. An avid lover of all things outdoors and water. Ray found great joy at Lake Erie, boating, fishing, swimming, or at home with yard work, gardening, and woodworking. He was a 32-degree Mason and belonged to the Scottish Rite and Aladdin Shriners. Ray would never turn away time spent with friends, or out socializing.
Ray earned his pilot’s license and flew his own airplanes, embarking on countless trips to Florida and making cherished memories during their trips around the country. Later on, he transitioned to motorhomes, traveling extensively across the United States, Canada, and even making the trek to Alaska. He spent his winters basking in the sunshine of Florida, Texas, and Arizona, fully embracing life to the fullest.
Left to cherish Ray’s memories are his wife, Joanne, children, David (Lori) LaChance, of Galion, Richard LaChance, of Galion, grandchildren: Monica (Cody) Steele, of Cincinnati, Evan LaChance, of Galion, Ryan (Fiancé Katie Redmon) LaChance, of Odessa, FL., great-grandchildren: Cooper, Meyer, and Ryder Steele.
Along with Ray’s parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Alva LaChance II, and grandson, Hunter LaChance.
Friends may call on Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm at Gompf Funeral Service-Galion Chapel, 303 Portland Way North, Galion. Services will immediately follow at 12:30 pm with Pastor Christine Bell officiating. Burial will take place after services at Fairview Cemetery with full Military Honors.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Honor Flight or to the Christ Covenant Global Methodist Church.
Those wishing to share a memory of Ray or send condolences to the LaChance family may do so by visiting www.masfh.com.
The Gompf Funeral Service-Galion Chapel, is honored to serve the family of Raoul “Ray” LaChance.
Funeral Home: Gompf Funeral Service-Galion Chapel
Website: www.masfh.com