Ray A. Fahnestock, 77, of Lebanon, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026, at his home surrounded by his family. He was the husband of Karen M. (Light) Fahnestock. They celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary this past Oct. 29.
Born in Lebanon on Oct. 31, 1948, he was the son of Vera L. (Gibbel) Fahnestock of Myerstown and the late J. Kenneth Fahnestock. Ray graduated from Northern Lebanon with the Class of 1967. He worked as a carpenter during his working career for David R. Alspaugh, Builder. Ray spent his life prioritizing his family. He was a builder, singer/songwriter, and loved to create with his hands. He was a man of strength and generosity and served others in many ways.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Fallow K. Fahnestock, of Myerstown, Jesse L., husband of Jodi Fahnestock, of Coatesville, Axis A., wife of Esteban Varas, of Coatesville, Aaron K., husband of Ahna Fahnestock, of Cambridge, MN, Daniel A., husband of Ashlyn Fahnestock, of Lebanon, and Ezra L., husband of Tayrinne Fahnestock, of Lebanon; 21 grandchildren; and siblings, Jean Musselman, of Schaefferstown, Janet Rissler, of Bradenton, FL, Karen Schoffstall, of Grantville, and Bruce Fahnestock, of Blue Mounds, WI. He was preceded in death by a child and five grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, at Living Waters Chapel, 1900 Jay St., Lebanon, PA 17046. There will be a visitation from 10 a.m. until the start of the service. Burial will be at Grand View Memorial Park at the convenience of the family.
