Raymond Dittfurth

How do you begin to describe the life of a great man who lived 100+ years? He served in so many roles: son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, trusted friend and so much more. He was a man of God who led his family to love the Lord, loved them beyond measure, provided for them and left them with an amazing legacy. The love, the lessons learned, the stories he shared gave us a glimpse into the admirable life he lived. One of thirteen children, as a responsible youth he helped provide for his parents and siblings, he fought in numerous WWII campaigns in Africa and Europe, he was highway construction worker and self-taught jack-of-all-trades. There wasn’t a challenge he did not accept and accomplish. There are not enough words to express our love and gratitude to this wonderful man.

Visitation and funeral services will be at Haltom Road Baptist Church; 3313 Haltom Road; Haltom City, TX 76117 on November 14, 2023. Andrew L. Clardy, Pastor of Haltom Road Baptist Church and Dr. Jim Spivey, former Pastor, Haltom Road Baptist Church will co-officiate the service. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 AM. A private burial will be held at the Meridian, TX Cemetery. Attendees are invited to join the family in the church Fellowship Hall for a family meal.

Raymond Dittfurth was born in Runge, Tx on April 11, 1923 to Adolph Carl Dittfurth and Emma Sophia Bues Dittfurth. He volunteered for the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) at the age of 18 and served for two years in Montana. He sent his earnings home to help his parents and siblings. After completing his service with the CCC he was drafted into the U.S. Army in February of 1943 where he served until his honorable discharge in December of 1945. He served with the First Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment in the American Theatre Campaign and the Europe, Africa, Middle East (EAME) Campaign. His unit fought battles in the Rome-Arno, Southern France, Rhineland and Central Europe operations. He was awarded numerous medals for his service (American Theatre Campaign Medal, EAME Medal, 4 Bronze Stars, Bronze Star Medal, Distinguished Unit Badge and the World War II Victory Medal). Following his honorable discharge from the U.S. Army in 1945, he worked in road construction and helped build numerous highways across Texas. He married the love of his life, Lila Lavern Greenwade on April 16, 1949 in Meridian, Tx. He started working for the Texas Highway Department in 1958 and served as a Maintenance Supervisor in District 2, Section 4 after obtaining his GED. He retired in 1987 after 29 years with the Highway Department. He was a member of the Iredell VFW. He was ordained as a Deacon at Haltom Road Baptist Church in 1999. He was a servant leader. He helped care for the church grounds, worked on many church construction projects and for 20 years he and Lila could be found cooking and serving dinner to the congregation before Wednesday evening services.

Raymond is preceded in death by his son, Royce Wayne Dittfurth as well as his parents and 12 siblings (Rose Erna, Herbert, Olga, Roland, Walter Earnest, Dick, Lenora, Frank, Pauline, Anna Mae, Virginia and Billie).

Raymond is survived by his wife of 74 years, Lila Lavern Greenwade Dittfurth, daughter Linda Gail Thomason (and John Thomason), Son, Russell Dittfurth (and Lisa Curtis Dittfurth); Grandson Ryan Wade Dittfurth (and Melani Ross Dittfurth); granddaughter Courtney Dittfurth Alexander (and Kyle Alexander), grandson John Travis Thomason and six great-grandchildren (Lynli Mae Dittfurth, Cannon Wade Dittfurth, Cy Judson Dittfurth, Lila Grace Alexander, Colton Luke Alexander, Wyatt Elijah Alexander).

Pallbearers: Russell Dittfurth, Ryan Dittfurth, Kyle Alexander, Travis Thomason, Hubert Kennedy and Kit Behringer.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests you send a memorial donation to Haltom Road Baptist Church.