Raymond D. Barajas

Raymond D. Barajas, 92, was born on March 13, 1922 in Calvin, Texas – Bastrop County and passed away surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, July 20, 2014. He was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and a life-member of the Knights of Columbus where he was the Grand Knight of the Fourth Degree. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Linda Benavides, his parents, Luz and Esther Barajas, his brother, Jesus Barajas, and numerous family members. He is survived by his loving and caring wife of 67 years, Elvira Nieto Barajas; son, Raymond Gene Barajas; daughter and son-in-law, Gloria and Gene Salinas; daughter and son-in-law, Terry and Rick Coy; son-in-law, Librado Benavides, grandsons, Chris and Jon Salinas and Michael Benavides; granddaughters, Larisa and Marisa Coy; great-granddaughter Julien Benavides; sister, Lupe Gonzales and brother and sister-in-law, Tony and Yolanda Barajas. He is also survived by numerous relatives and friends.

Raymond attended Robert E. Lee High School in Baytown, Texas until the 11th grade when he was called to duty in the United States Army during World War II. Later in life, he received an Honorary Diploma from Robert E. Lee High School commencement at Stallworth Stadium. He was employed by Humble Oil & Refining Company in Baytown in 1946 and transferred to the marine department where he traveled extensively throughout the world until 1973. During his employment, he played with the Humble 997 Baseball Team. He was then employed by Mundy Industrial Company for 15 years as a Superintendent until his retirement. He was also a Reserve Patrolman for the City of Baytown Police Department for numerous years. Raymond was always ready for a conversation. He would often greet strangers the same way he greeted family and friends with a warm smile and a twinkle in his eye. With a strong faith in God, he never hesitated to show his love and passion to his family. He loved all of his children and grandchildren unconditionally and always expressed his love and admiration for his sons-in-law. He was always so sincere with a tear in his eye when talking to his family about the love and affection he had for all of them especially the love of his life. In fact, his last words to Elvira before entering the gates of Heaven were ""I love you very much"". For 67 years, they always walked hand in hand. Raymond was a proud grandfather and was known to his grandchildren as ""Popo"". He always shared his fun-loving spirit with all of them. He had a positive outlook on life and always shared his wisdom with his family. He was known as a mentor and advisor to his children and grandchildren. He was an outstanding and dedicated husband, father, and Popo who provided, listened, and supported with all his heart.

Visitation will be on Thursday, July 24, 2014 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a rosary being recited at 7:00 p.m. On Friday, July 25, 2014, the procession will depart Navarre Funeral Home at 10:30 a.m. A funeral mass will be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church , 1124 Beech Street, Baytown, Texas 77520 at 11:00 a.m. with Father Jesus Lizalde officiating the service. Burial will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Baytown.

Pallbearers will be Chris Salinas, Jon Salinas, Michael Benavides, John Estrada, Robert Estrada, Jesse Barajas, Louis Barajas, and Ernest Barajas.

To view the online obituary or to post a tribute for the family, go to www.navarrefuneralhome.com

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Navarre Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 2444 Rollingbrook Dr., Baytown, TX, 77521 (281) 422-8111.