Ray Pulver passed away August 24, 2023, after courageously battling Leukemia and related illnesses for decades.  Ray was born August 19, 1963 in Fort Wayne, Indiana to parents Raymond (Sr.) and Janice (Feagler) Pulver. He graduated from Leo Jr/.Sr. High School with the class of 1982. Ray was an outstanding baseball player and was recognized as an All-State pitcher.

After graduating from high school, Ray accepted a full athletic scholarship to play baseball for his beloved Indiana University. While there he earned his B.S. in Business Administration and was named Academic All Big 10. Today he is still tied for the second place record for pitching three shutouts in a single season for Indiana University.

After college Ray worked for Guardian Industries before joining the Fort Wayne Fire Department in 1991. Ray served on the department for 14 years before his illnesses forced him into early retirement. He frequently stated that being a fireman was the best job he ever had. Ray also pursued his desire to start his own business and became a licensed real estate appraiser starting Appraisal Professionals Inc. in 1995. 

On November 30, 1991, Ray married Kristine Helbert.  Together they built a wonderful and faith-filled life together, having two sons (Jacob and Joshua).  Ray’s sons made him especially proud by following in his footsteps with Joshua joining him in the appraisal business in 2019 as a licensed appraiser and Jacob joining the Fort Wayne Fire Department in October, 2021. Ray was elected to the Leo-Cedarville Town Council and served for eight years. Ray and Kristine were dedicated members of Grabill Missionary Church and will be forever grateful for the support and love shown by its members.

Baseball continued to be a passion for Ray throughout his life and he was especially happy to watch his sons play the sport he loved. He loyally cheered for the Cincinnati Reds and IU Basketball. He wore an IU baseball hat at all times, especially when he could taunt his brother Rob when IU beat Purdue. Ray was incredibly grateful to be the beneficiary of a donated heart and kidney which were skillfully transplanted at Vanderbilt University hospital by their highly skilled doctors and nurses who treated Ray with love and compassion. Even through all of his health challenges, Ray’s warmth and humor brought smiles and joy to those lucky enough to be near him.