John H Rayburn, 89, of Urbana, formerly of Paducah, KY, died on November 24 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, IL.

Born May 17, 1924, John was born in Benton, KY, the oldest child of the late John F and Gania (Faughn) Rayburn. He attended Western Kentucky Teachers College and, later, Duke University. A veteran of World War II, Rayburn served in the Navy aboard the USS Parker in the north Atlantic. After the war, he worked for the Corps of Engineers and the Tennessee Valley Authority.

On April 12, 1947, John married Betty Jo Sewell of Calvert City, KY. She survives. Also surviving is son, Stephen E Rayburn and his wife Jeri Lake of Champaign; grandchildren Cherilyn Bloodworth Barret, Laura Wadley, Bryan Lake, Jamie Lake, Hannah Lake-Rayburn, and Sarah Lake-Rayburn; seven great-grandchildren; a brother, James W Rayburn of Evansville, IN; a sister, Sue Cope, of Benton, KY, and numerous beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Vicki Rayburn Bloodworth.

John was a member of Fountain Avenue United Methodist Church, IBEW Local 816, and the Masons. He was an avid fan of University of Kentucky sports. He was a loving husband and father, a caring brother and uncle, and a jovial friend to many.

.A Memorial Service will be held at 2 o'clock November 30 at Fountain Avenue United Methodist Church in Paducah, KY. Visitation will be one hour before the service. Expressions of condolences may be made to the Memorial Fund, Fountain Avenue United Methodist Church, 300 Fountain Avenue, Paducah, KY 42001.