Herbert Raymond Trantham III

Herbert Raymond Trantham III passed away peacefully in his sleep the morning of March 15, 2013. He was 64 years old. He was born in Houston, Texas on January 13, 1949 and is survived by his brother Tom Trantham, sister Claire Mesker, sister Elaine Sorsby, daughter Tracey Linn Buchanan, son Thomas Dylan Trantham, grandsons Breandan Buchanan and Jacob Trantham, and granddaughter Peggy Buchanan. He was preceded in death by his mother Marjorie Oliphint Trantham, his father Herbert Raymond Trantham Jr., and wife Lisa Lamb Trantham.

Raymond was a musician, artist, philosopher, confidante, friend, caregiver, and raconteur. He was, above all else, truly an alchemist of the human condition. He sought to do what was right in all situations, and as he grew in wisdom and changed, so did his ideas of rightness, servitude, and love.

Through living his life according to his ideals he grew truly wise, and shared that loving wisdom with everyone with whom he came into contact through acts of service, warm conversation, and the best stories ever. He was storyteller of the highest degree, his wit extremely quick, his base of knowledge vast and deep, and his laughter easy.

In his later years Raymond lived ascetically and continually put himself in service to others who needed him. This was not a glorious calling but one from the heart. It was hard work, and most would have given up for want of attention and recognition. Raymond needed neither. All he needed was to serve and to be in the warmth of the glow of the hearts of others. If anyone ever made the most of the human being's capacity to love and to transform for the sake of serving the highest Love, it was him. Everyone he knew considered it an honor to witness and be a part of the life of this extraordinary man.

The family invites anyone whose life he touched to join us on Saturday, March 23, 2013 at 1:00 P.M. in the Chapel of Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home to celebrate the life of Herbert Raymond Trantham III. Dr. Baldwin will preside over the service and there will be some time to share our favorite memories as well.