Raymond Richard Villegas

passed away on June 7th.

Ray was born on July 3rd, 1951 to

Celia and Frank Villegas in the bustling city of San Pedro. He moved to Barstow in 1953, and attended Mt, St. Joseph's Catholic School, while he was young, he enjoyed playing baseball, and being in the boy scouts. Ray graduated from John F Kennedy High School in 1969 where he was very involved in wresting. He received an A.A at Barstow Community College and worked in Richard Padilla's' shoe store which he always spoke about, before transferring to Mayville State College in North Dakota where with lifelong friends, where he continued his passion for wrestle. He earned his B.S degree in 1974. At Mayville, Ray met the then Joan Manthei and they have two children Lisa in 1978 and Richard in 1979.

After graduation, he worked many jobs, he became a substitute teacher, and took a job at Yellow Freight where they called him "the professor" since he had a college degree. Ray then became a teacher at Barstow Jr. High teaching social studies, and transferred to Pitcher Jr high where he also taught PE and coached cross country and the high school wrestling team. Ray went to work for Southern California Edison Company's Coolwater Station at Daggett a power plant for many years. After that role, Ray worked for Foster Wheeler as a superintendent of welders where they repaired and upgraded powerplants that produce energy, which took him to many cities across CA and AZ.

He was actively involved in his community and truly had a passion for connecting with others. Ray made everyone laugh with his stories, jokes and good nature. He participated several local clubs as a member or volunteer in the community, just a few were the United Way Program, and has been an Optimist member since 1983 where he held many titles such with the Barstow Club and District as "Optimist of Year", "Seargent at Arms" Essay Contest Chair 2018-2019 and Oratorical Contest Chair 2018-2019 and as PSED Lt. Governor for Zone 4 2011-2012. Ray earned a Barstow Club Lifetime Membership award for his many efforts in the Optimist Club.

In his free time, he enjoyed playing golf or cards, hunting, fishing and occasionally skiing (when he was younger).

Nobody is sure when Ray actually retired, because after he officially retired, he always liked to keep working odd job to stay busy.

Ray was predeceased by his twin brother Robert Villegas, and mother Celia Villegas. He is survived by his father Francisco Villegas 99, his siblings Frank Villegas Jr., Evelyn and Alex Rodriguez, Teresa Villegas, Ruth Nevarez, Christine and Diego Moreno and Joseph Villegas, along with 11 nieces and nephew. He leaves two children Lisa Villegas (grandson Ryder Ostadhossein 17), and Richard Villegas (grandchildren Richard Villegas Jr. 21, Matthew Villegas 20 and Taylor Villegas 18).

Services will be held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church on Friday June 28th at 10am

Mead mortuary chapel is open for services at 100% capacity. If you need assistance, please call 760-256-5671 to speak with our staff. Our office area is open to the public however, we highly suggest that you call for an appointment before coming in so that you'll have our full attention and care. Our beautiful reception room is available with many options from Breakfast, Appetizers, Light lunches to Hearty meals. Thank you for your cooperation, we appreciate your understanding during this time