Curtis Ray Xanders, 78, of Fairfield passed away at 4:40PM on Thursday July 23, 2026, at SSM Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon. Ray was born in Mt Vernon on July 9, 1948, to Roy “Pete” and Hazel (Thomason) Xanders. He married Debbie Stallings on March 22, 1980. Ray was a pilot for 60 plus years, during that time, he was Airtex Products original corporate pilot. He was also a private pilot and a flight instructor. Ray was also a recipient of the FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, the highest honor the Federal Aviation Administration presents to certified pilots for 50 or more years for their exceptional professionalism and safety. He also enjoyed driving and working on his 1940 Hudson Coupe and attending the Frog Follies car show every year, as well as being an avid fisherman and Harley rider.
Ray is survived by his wife, Debbie Xanders of Fairfield; daughter, Kamme (Trey) Lockwood of Haslet TX; grandchildren, Brayton Reinert of Big Spring TX, McKenna Reinert and Jacob Reinert both of Haslet TX; brother, Roy (Jo Ann) Xanders JR of Jonesboro AR; mother-in-law, Betty Stallings of Fairfield; sister-in-law, Paula Best of Fairfield.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents, and infant daughter, Kimberly Ray Xanders.
Funeral services will be held at 1PM on Wednesday July 29, 2026, at Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home with burial in Maple Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11AM until the time of service at the funeral home.
Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home is in charge of all the arrangements.
