Raymond Joseph Bouton Sr.

Ray was born in New Orleans in 1931 at Touro Infirmary, to Frank and Virginia Bouton. He graduated from St. Peter’s High School in 1949. After graduation, Ray began service to his country in the U.S. Air Force stationed in Germany. His service briefly overlapped with operations during the Berlin Air Lift.

In 1957, he married Bella Castrinos Bouton, and they shared 69 years of marriage. Together, they raised two sons and enjoyed six beautiful grandchildren.

After serving his country, Ray began his private career selling lamps door to door for New Orleans Public Service, Incorporated (NOPSI). He eventually worked his way up at NOPSI to commercial representative where he worked for nearly 40 years until his retirement in 1990.

A bona fide New Orleanian, Ray enjoyed all things sports including watching the New Orleans Saints and the New Orleans Pelicans (from his comfy living room recliner). Known for his straightforward nature, Ray never minced words. His honesty, whether gentle or direct, was one of his defining characteristics. He served his community through volunteerism at WYES auctions and through Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans. He enjoyed cooking, especially preparing the holiday meal which always included roast turkey, mirliton with shrimp, sweet potatoes smothered in brown sugar, oyster dressing and apple pie. He loved to make homemade “tutti fruity” flavored ice cream for family occasions. He and Bella enjoyed traveling to the Gulf Coast for a weekend at the casino and visiting the beaches of Florida. He relaxed with the occasional VO and water, rabbit hunting, and fishing. He took great pride in providing for his family and caring for the family home where he and Bella raised their children.

He was the primary caregiver for Bella until his illness prevented it, just nine weeks before he died.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife Bella, his children; Ray Bouton, Jr. (Elizabeth) and Frank Bouton (Amy); his grandchildren Colin, Christopher, Bradley (Claire), Jacob, Anna and Jenna; and several nieces and nephews.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Virginia, and his brother Curtis.

The family would like to thank Father George Wilson of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral for his spiritual guidance, the medical staff at Touro Infirmary for their extraordinary care, especially Dr. Alexander Nay, the staff at Covenant Home, and the team at Serenity Hospice.

A funeral service will be held Monday, September 21, 2026, at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 11a.m. until the time of service at 1p.m. Interment will follow at Lake Lawn Park Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to celebrate a Makaria in the Hellenic Center at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 1200 Allen Toussaint Boulevard, directly following the services.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ray’s name to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral at https://4agc.com/donation_pages/4111150c-9697-410d-85c4-56fb119ac12a