Ray Lewis Cormany , 88, a prominent Etna-Troy Township farmer, died peacefully in the company of family at 12:23 a.m. on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at his home.

Born on October 24, 1937, near Pierceton in Kosciusko County, he was a son of Dee F. and Charlotte G. (Vernett) Cormany.  Growing up in Thorncreek Twp., he graduated from Columbia City High School in 1955.

He served in the U.S. Navy from November 3, 1955, to October 30, 1957.

On November 17, 1957, he married Ardith R. Jagger, beginning their 68-year journey together, raising three children.  Ray began his work career in the construction trade and shearing sheep.  Taking a position at Dana Corp. in Fort Wayne in 1958, he worked there for over 33 years.

In 1959, he purchased a farm in Etna-Troy Twp., transforming it into a thriving grain and livestock operation that involved his two sons, building a lasting family farming legacy.  A Farm Bureau member, he was awarded the NEO Pork Producers Award in 1966. He enjoyed participating in tractor pulling events.

Deeply rooted in his Christian faith, he was a member of the Troy Presbyterian Church, and he served as an Elder and taught Sunday School.  He participated in Mission Trips to Haiti.  More recently, he had attended New Hope Wesleyan Church.

Ray liked to get away by fishing in all seasons and taking hunting trips.  His life was defined by hard work, dedication to the land, and devotion to his family.  He was kind and patient, and prioritized time for daily devotions.

Surviving are his beloved wife, Ardith; sons, Stephen (Brenda) Cormany and Jeffrey (Vonda) Cormany both of Columbia City; a daughter, Susan (Gary) Sweet of Canfield, OH, grandchildren, Brad (Rhiannon) Cormany, Tara (Billy) Maddox, Brent (Rachelle) Cormany, Garrett (Brittany) Cormany, Reid Cormany, Elise (Dakota) Stephens, James (Amber) Sweet, Joshua (Alissa) Sweet, Sarah (Chris) Loncar and Jordan Sweet; 24 great grandchildren; and sisters, Joyce (Carl) Kessie and Nancy Myer both of Columbia City.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Thomas Cormany, and a sister, Phyllis Wilkinson.

Visitation is from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.  The funeral service is at 10 a.m. Monday (March 2nd) at the funeral home.  Burial is at the Troy Presbyterian Cemetery with military honors presented by the Whitley County Korean War Honor Guard.

Memorials in Ray's honor are to the Whitley County Ag Museum, Destiny Rescue, or Gideons International.