Published on October 7, 2026 10:37 am
Last Updated on October 7, 2026 10:37 am
Ralph Allen day passed away September 26, 2026 he was 76 years, 1 month, 10 days old.
He was born August 16, 1950, in Champaign, Illinois the son of Frederick and Martha (Kemper) Day. He passed away comfortably and quickly in his home with his family present.
Rest in Pease Ralph. You fought the good fight to the end. “Love you brother”
He loved his family, friends and his work. Though not everything worked out as he wished.
He worked all aspects of his life with an earnest passion for doing a good job and making a good deal (the best you can with what you have). He hated waste , the frustration, the destruction and hard times in this world. He would give you the shirt off his back if need be. He would pray the “Our Father” with you anytime, the Lords Prayer was his favorite. He valued honesty and seeing eye to eye with no guilt, a firm handshake and keeping one’s word.
His best friend and mentor as a young man, Clyde Thompson A.K.A. “ The Meanest Man in Texas” (as per title of movie about him) led Ralph through two years of Christian Missionary Services and support for men in and leaving the prison system in Huntsville, Texas.
Ralph excelled in art, a lifelong piano player and enjoyed many a game of dominos. He applied all of his trade skills in his commercial artist career. He is known coast to coast as Mickey Mouse Sign Painter, always when he signed, as Done By Day. He loved gardening, meticulous about his lawn care. He loved his pets, especially his last furry friends, Star and Leonard.
He was preceded in death by, his father, Frederick Leander Day, of Effingham; mother, Martha Ann Day(nee Kemper)of Effingham; granddaughter, Madelin Anika Day of Mattoon; maternal great grandparents, Mary Ann and August Stuckey of Neoga; maternal grandparents, Emma (nee Stuckey) and Ralph Kemper of Teutopolis; paternal grandfather, Allen Louis Day of Tennessee; sister in law, Deb Day(wife of Danny Day), brother, David Day.
He lives behind and is survived by, sons, Mack S. Day of Mattoon, Glen F. Day of Mattoon; bonus son, Paul J. Swift of Mattoon; POJS, mother of his sons, Sara J. Swift of Mattoon; son , Kristopher E. Day (mother Shirley Mcgee) of Effingham; long lost dearly loved daughter, Jennifer Lynn Day (mother, Kathy Day) of Texas; brother, Danny J. Day of Indiana; sisters, Donna Casler of L.A., California, Mary Edwards and Melinda Perry of Texas.
A private Memorial Service will be forthcoming. You may call Sara A.K.A. Princess Paintbrush/ Princess Lugnut at 217-259-9402..
In Lieu of flowers, etc. please plant a tree in memory The donations are used by Forestry Service they plant in areas designated as priority need be for reforestation.