Raymond Deleon Duarte

Raymond was born April 22, 1941 in Lott, Texas to Joe H. and Magdalena Duarte.

He worked as a farmer from the early age of 12 years of until he retired at the age of 73.

Raymond was preceded in death by: a sister, Mary Herrera, brother, Johnny Duarte, daughter, Juanita Duarte, daughter, Ruth Duarte, son, Joe E Duarte, daughter, Jessica Duarte, his father, Joe H. Duarte, and mother Magdalena DeLeon Duarte, and wife of 51 years, Oralia H. Duarte.

Left to cherish his memory include his sister, Minnie Guerra, daughter, Sylvia Trevino (Joe) daughter, Sandra Duarte, son, Raymond Duarte, Jr. (Stacey), daughter, Sheila Castilleja (Rudy Sr), son, Paul Duarte, and daughter, Sue Garza (Chris), 19 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren.

Raymond married Oralia September 14, 1962 in Cameron, TX. They built a home and family in the Bellfalls community where Raymond would go on to harvest cotton, wheat and corn to provide for his growing family over the next 53 years. Raymond loved his wife, children, friends and especially his grandchildren. He also had a deep love for his dogs, Bullhound and Buddy. He knew no stranger and was always willing to help anyone in need.

In his spare time, he loved working on cars, rebuilding motors and souping them up. This would include family and friend’s cars. If it was broke… he would find a way to fix it. He enjoyed watching baseball and was a Nolan Ryan fan. Raymond also enjoyed watching NASCAR, relaxing in his recliner reading the newspaper all while falling asleep. Although he would claim to be resting his eyes. Being available anytime his family needed him was important to him. He enjoyed taking his wife to the grocery store and then “making the rounds”.

He was a very dependable man that anyone could and did count on. He was a jokester, prankster, and

a straight shooter that always got his point across without judgement and always provided his family sound advice with unconditional love.

Through all the struggles and sacrifices, Raymond leaves behind a village of family and friends that admire and love him.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 pm on Friday, July 12th with a rosary recited at 7 pm at Crawford Bowers Funeral Home in Temple.

Funeral service will be on Saturday at 10 am at Crawford Bowers Funeral Home. Burial will follow at the Bellfalls Cemetery in Troy, Texas.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Crawford Bowers Funeral Home in Temple.