Harold "Raymond" Sinclair Jr.

Raymond Sinclair, Jr. passed away on Saturday, December 3, 2022, with his loving wife of almost 63 years by his side. Ray was born on March 19, 1937, in rural Mason County, Illinois. The son of Harold Raymond, Sr. and Grace Sinclair was born and raised on a grain and livestock farm in west central Illinois. He attended the University of Illinois obtaining his Masters of Science in August 1961. Ray married A. Colleen Cross on January 30, 1959. Together they built a loving family including five children: Amy (Ed) Vernon, Paragon, IN; Alice (Mark) Ostendorf, Fort Mitchell, KY; Duane (Sue) Sinclair, Carmel, IN; Jon Sinclair, Box Elder, SD; and Sara (Sean) Brito, Melbourne, Australia. He was so proud of each of his 13 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren: Marie (Laura) Moreno, Josh (Amanda) Vernon, Kate (Mark) Nienaber, Ben (Alysha) Ostendorf, Wes (Courtney) Vernon, Steven Sinclair, Matthew Sinclair, Carmen Vernon, Kristen (Christopher) Brann, Jonathan Sinclair, Nick Brito, Henry Sinclair, Alex Brito, Joshua Vernon, Bella Vernon, Wesley Vernon, Thomas Nienaber, Fitz Vernon, Ruth Nienaber, Aurora Ostendorf, Gideon Ostendorf, Anali Moreno, Mahla Vernon (dec.), and Chava Vernon. Ray was one of four children born to Harold and Grace Sinclair: Eleanor Rodemor (dec.), Robert (Judy), and Barbara Sinclair. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold, Sr. and Grace Sinclair, great-granddaughter, Mahla Vernon and sister, Eleanor (Sinclair) Rodemer. Ray worked his entire career as a Soil Scientist with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (formerly the Soil Conservation Service.) Counting his college internships, Ray had more than 50 years of service as a Soil Scientist. As a soil scientist stationed in Illinois, Vermont, Michigan, and Indiana, he did soil correlation, soil interpretations, soil investigations, technical soil services, soil manuscripts, soil cartographic work, land evaluation, and site assessment. Ray was heavily involved in research for mine reclamation, co-authoring several articles regarding soil evaluation and reconstruction after surface coal mining. He served as the State Soil Scientist in Indiana for 16 years. Ray’s final position with NRCS was at the National Soil Survey Center in Lincoln, NE. In that role, he furnished technical soils information to local, state, and federal agencies; consultants; agricultural businesses; and individuals. Ray was recognized as a Sagamore of the Wabash by Governor Robert D. Orr in November, 1988, as a result of the incredible work done under his leadership as State Soil Scientist, including ensuring soil surveys were completed for all counties in Indiana. In 2004 he received the Administrator’s Group Honor Award, one of the highest that the Farm Service Agency bestows on employees and private citizens. Ray had been a member of the American Society of Agronomy and Soil Science Society of America for 55 years. He was a Certified Crop Adviser through the American Society of Agronomy. Other memberships included: Masonic Lodge, Mt. Mansfield Lodge No. 26 F & AM, Jericho, VT and Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, Indianapolis, IN. Ray was a hard-working, highly intelligent man who took great pride in using his gifts and talents to assist others. He happily shared information on the best soil types on which to build a home and his family knew he cared so much about that safety issue because he cared so deeply for those inside the home. While dedicated to his work as a soil scientist, his greatest pleasure was in spending time with his large family and reminiscing over how it all began with two people who fell in love. He will be dearly missed by his family and all who were lucky enough to know this incredible man. Visitation will be held Monday, December 12, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM, with a funeral service immediately following at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, 973 N. Girls School Rd, Indianapolis, IN. Memorial contributions can be made to the donor’s choice. Burial Will be held on Tuesday, December 13, 2022 at 10:30 Am at Mason City Cemetery.

Harold "Raymond" Sinclair Jr.

March 19, 1937 - December 3, 2022

Explore Obituaries &
Upcoming Services