Raymond "Ray" Erlenbach

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Raymond N. "Ray" Erlenbach, Jr., a loving husband, father and grandfather, who peacefully passed away on May 26, 2025 at the age of 72. He is reunited with his beautiful wife, Judy, whom he missed dearly, sharing 47 years of love and companionship.

Ray was born in Columbus, Ohio on July 15, 1952 to the late Raymond Sr. and Betty (Buchanan) Erlenbach.

Ray was a 1970 Heath High School graduate, where he specialized in auto mechanics and played football. After a long and dedicated career of being a truck driver for over 40 years, he retired to tend to his ailing wife. He was a great mechanic and had a love for cars and was often found working on family and friends' cars. Ray enjoyed drag racing and he and his wife taking their Camaro's to car shows. He also enjoyed NASCAR, dirt track racing and Ohio State Buckeye football.

Ray was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather, known to his grandson as "Poppy". He is survived by his two daughters, Christy Erlenbach-Lake and Anna Erlenbach; grandson, Aidon Ross; five brothers, Donald (Sandy), Dale, Duane, Kenny and Dan "Hidee" (Kim) Erlenbach; brothers-in-law, Joe Brown and Chris Caprez; sister-in-law, Sandy Erlenbach; and many nieces, nephews and was a cherished friend to many.

In addition to his parents and his wife, Judy, he was preceded in death by brother, Randy Erlenbach; sisters, Shirley Brown and Janet Erlenbach; brother-in-law, Paul Caprez; and two sisters-in-law, Susan and Kathy Erlenbach.

A funeral service celebrating Ray's life, will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. at Criss Wagner Hoskinson Funeral Home, 179 Granville Street, Newark, with Pastor Brian Harkness officiating. Friends may visit on Saturday, prior to the funeral service, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Visit www.HoskinsonFuneral.com to share a special memory about Ray or to sign an online guest book.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Ray to Hospice of Central Ohio. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Criss Wagner Hoskinson Funeral and Cremation Service is honored to care for Ray and his family.