Raymond P. Herrera

Loving husband of Lupe Herrera for 67 wondrous years, father of Raymond (Frances), Raúl (Natividad), Ron (Yolanda) and Laura (Francisco) Herrera, papa to eleven grandchildren; Andre (Rochelle), Amber (Jordan), Natalie (Eddie), Chris, Marisa (Steve), Cameron, Christian (Ilene), Nicole (Ryan), Brihana (Ashley), Aaron, Alejandro (Demi), and twelve great grandchildren.

Ray was born and raised in San Fernando, California. He served his country proudly in the U.S. Army and is a veteran of the Korean War, 1st Cavalry Division, 33rd Tank Battalion. He was a man who loved his country and all which it stands for, always saying how he was “so proud to see the stars and stripes wave”. After leaving the service, he became a successful owner of a custom cabinet company. He later returned to commercial trucking, which he enjoyed in his early years before the war. After many years, he and Lupe retired and moved to Colorado in 1984.

Ray loved hunting, fishing, music, laughing and above all, spending time with his family. His common sense along with an ability to keep things simple when it came to problem solving are characteristics recognized by many throughout his life. He was for his children, a man of much faith to whom they looked up to and whose examples they one day hoped to follow; to his friends he was a man they could always count on. He would stand up for those who could not defend themselves and his word and honor were the essence of his character. He treated everyone with respect and dignity, positively effecting all who came to know him. His sense of humor was wonderful and infectious, always a joy to be around.

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Nothing surpassed the love for his family and above all, the love for his wife Lupe. Their life together began on a first date one summer day in 1946 at Sunland Park. They lived up to their vows; through sickness and health, tough times and good times, they supported each other and were married for all of 67 years. They did so much together with the family that when we think of one, we can’t help but picture the other. For us he will always be the greatest husband, father, and grandfather, forever in our hearts.

There will be a Rosary at 9:30am with a Mass and columbarium service for Raymond at 10am on Friday, September 23, 2016, St. Mary’s Cathedral 22 W. Kiowa St., Colorado Springs, Colorado. A memorial reception is to follow at the VFW 430 E. Pikes Peak Ave., Colorado Springs, Colorado. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his memory may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and The Wounded Warriors Project

Arrangements under the direction of Swan-Law Funeral Directors, Colorado Springs, CO.