MT. VERNON, IL — Longtime former Mt. Vernon City Councilman and Mt. Vernon City Manager Ray Botch has passed away.

Botch, who was elected to the council position again in 2019, resigned from his position in May of this year due to health concerns.

Because of his dedication and service to the City of Mt. Vernon, the city has named the Emergency Operations Center at the new police station the Raymond P. Botch Emergency Operations Center. According to current Mt. Vernon Mayor John Lewis, Botch spent thousands of dollars of his own money to help improve the city. Botch personally paid for the signage on the Rolland W. Lewis Community Building and a new K-9 for the Mount Vernon Police Department, as well as personally funding the MVPD’s Citizens Police Academy.

Botch’s previously served as Mount Vernon’s city manager for 14 years. After his stint as Mount Vernon’s city manager, he became the city manager of Westmont, Illinois, where he served for 19 years.

When Botch retired, he chose to come back to Mt. Vernon, which he referred to as his “adopted hometown,” in his acceptance speech for his most recent tenure. Botch, even after retirement, soon volunteered his time and expertise serving as chairman of Mount Vernon’s Public Utilities Commission. 

We at Withers Broadcasting pass along to his family our deepest of sympathy. The complete obituary will be posted as well as service information as soon as it becomes available.