Ramon Holguin

Ramon “Ray” Holguin, age 89, was called home to our Lord on December 18, 2012. He was preceded in death by his parents Ramon A. and Juanita Holguin, his dear little sister, Dora Holguin Mayfield and her husband Jim, and his uncle Edmundo Loya and his wife, Eva.

Ray is survived by his wife Maria Luisa Holguin, daughters Rita Calderon (Dan) , Sylvia Almonte, Angelica Job (Rene), and Ettie Castellano (Richard). He is also survived by grandchildren Rita Inkpen (Shannon), Erica Dabrieo (Daniel), David Ray Almonte, Elisa Rae Lange (Chris), Carlos Munoz , Claudia Loya, and Nicolas Loya; and great-grandchildren Adelaida Almonte, Liliana Inkpen, Santino Inkpen, and Hannah Rae Lange.

Ray was born on December 7, 1923 in El Paso, TX. He attended Beall Elementary School and Bowie High School, from which he graduated in 1941. A proud World War II veteran, Ray served in the United States Army Air Corps in the China-Burma-India Theater. For his service, he was awarded a Good Conduct Medal and the Victory Medal.

Ray married Maria Luisa Silva on September 4, 1950 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. He was happily married to the love of his life for 62 years. They happily hosted family celebrations and holidays at their home for many years. A mechanic, a realtor, and an auto parts store owner. Ray was a hard worker. He was a man of strong faith and a parishioner at St. Patrick’s Cathedral Church. After retirement, he was active in the Paisano Lions Club and the Elks Lodge #187, where he and his bride enjoyed dining and dancing with many dear friends. Ray was also an avid golfer and frequented the Painted Dunes Desert and Ascarate Municipal Golf Courses.

In his later years, Ray’s health required specialized care. He was admitted to Mountain View Nursing Home where he made many friends among the patients and staff. The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Max Peralta and the caring staff of Mountain View Nursing Home for the compassionate care they have given to Ray and his family for the last 10 years.

Visition will be held at Harding-Orr & McDaniel Funeral Home on Friday, December 21, 2012, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm with Vigil at 7:00 pm. Mass will be held at St. Patrick Cathedral, 1118 N Mesa on Saturday, December 22, 2012 at 9:00 am. Graveside services, Monday, December 24, 2012, Fort Bliss National Cemetery at 10:00 am. Services entrusted to Harding –Orr & McDaniel Funeral Home, 320 Montana Ave. In lieu of flowers please send contributions to Paralyzed Veterans of America. Donation Processing Center, 7 Mill Brook Rd, Wilton, NH 03086.

Ray was a good man. He will continue to be an inspiration to all who knew him.