I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Ray was a very special person and a wonderful dad. My sympathy and prayers go out to his family who I know dearly loved him. MaryAnn I know this must be a very difficult time for you, I know first hand, you will be in my prayers.

ray i want to thank u for all of the wonderful memories youve implanted in my life, you will always be in my heart. thanks for being my special friend and always being there for me. your smile and laugh will be greatly missed.There will never be another you in my life. Thanks for making me the woman I am today. to the celaya family i know how close you all are, may god give each and one of you strength through all  of this. ray is now an angel to you all. i will always think of you ray and will never forget you, i know our lord greeted you with open arms. loving and missing you forever.

To the Celaya family, my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I am sorry to hear about your loss. What I will always remember about Mundo is his smile and laugh. I also remember when he would have a few cold ones with my parents. This is the way I see now my mom has company and they are both looking down on us seeing how many people loved him.. He will be missed.. Love all of you guys.....

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
With heartfelt sympathy,

Our condolences go out to the family,sorry for your loss.                 Love,Sara and Sheryl Todd

To The Celaya Family: May God give you peace and comfort in this most difficult of times. My memories of "Mundo" were only good, tackle football,touch football,basketball,passing the ball around or just shooting hoops, he always was in a good mood and projected it very well. A good man, he will be missed. May God forgive his sins,grant him peaceful rest, and accept him into his Glorious Kingdom.

I worked with Ray and Willie on Randolph AFB. He was always such a hard working and happy man with an award winning smile.  It was a pleasure to have know Ray.  Willie, our sincerest sympathy is extending to you and all of Ray's family. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.  Les & Diane Maruquin

My grandfather was Carlos Fuentes on Queretaro Street.  We kids and mom Licha lived with he and grandma Pauline when dad was stationed overseas and we kids got to know the Celaya kids next door.  Though I have been gone for so many years it is with sadness that I heard of Raymond's passing.  May you find peace in your memories of Raymond.  Sincerely, Peggy Bennett Baker

Our prayers are with the entire family, The Celaya's have being our neighbors for 36 yrs. I had the honor of seeing Mundo,twice last year.We have so many memories growing up. He always had a big smile.He will be dearly missed.May he Rest In Peace.    Jesse&Nelda Rodriguez

"To LIVE in the HEARTS of those we LEAVE behind is not to DIE" I played clarinet with Raymond in the JFK band. He was a very patient and kind teacher.My condolences to the entire family. May he rest in peace.
                      Elsa R. Leal
                    JFK class of 76

To the Celaya family; We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Please accept our most sincere sympthy. Our hearts are with you. Mary Capeheart and Susan Capeheart Bass.

I always loved cousin Raymond's sense of humor.  I remember he had just arrived from the Air Force and I was visiting their home.  He did not have a car but he promised to take us sightseeing and he did not let anything get in his way.  We took the bus-  There was a young boy sitting in the seat in front of us and Raymond kept making funny faces every time the little boy would turn around.  We were laughing and having so much fun.  Then he took us bike riding, and to many other places and finally borrowed a car from his brother to take us back home.  On the way to Brownsville, he allowed me to drive. I had a drivers license but I took a wrong turn,  I handed the keys to him thinking he was going to be upset and would not want me to continue driving, but to my surprise he just laughed and told me to continue driving and that everything was okay. I don't remember ever seeing Raymond upset, he always had a great smile and knew what to say to cheer you up.  Raymond will be missed, but I am sure he is now in heaven watching over us with his great smile now that he is with the Lord.  Our prayers are with the family. ** May God fill your hearts with peace and help you get through this difficult time, love Blanca Iracheta-Lambarri

We will keep you in our hearts, we will miss you dearly & We are all very proud of you. We love you 
your cousin,
   Esther F. Salas & Family

It was my pleasure to work with Ray at Randolph AFB and before that Kelly AFB. A very special man in so many ways who will be sincerely missed. My heart felt condolences to Willie and all of the Celaya family.

Please accept our deepest sympathy. He will be greatly missed by many. Always smiling and a truly great person. Our prayers and thoughts are with his family.

As you comprehend this profound loss, let yourself cry knowing each tear is a note of love rising to the heavens. Although I didn't know your brother, I know you Esther, and to know you reflects what kind of wonderful person he was. Lean on your friends and family for strength, and always remember how much your cared about.  Our hearts go out to your family in this time of sorrow. 

Yolanda Contreras & Family

Dear Celaya Family:

Please accept my deepest sympathies on the loss of your beloved.  There are never any right words to express how deeply sad I am for the pain your family is enduring at this difficult time.    

Although I did not have the honor and pleasure of knowing him, as Chair of the Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs and Military Installations, I am sincerely thankful for his valiant service in defense of our rights and freedom.

His commitment to family, friends, our community, and to serving our great nation leaves a wonderful legacy.  May the love and the wonderful memories you shared with him help you when you need it most. He will never be forgotten, and your family will be remembered in my prayers.

Growing up with the Celaya family, I was deeply saddened to hear the news about Raymond's passing.  He was a very kind and giving person.  I remember we used to carpool together when I was in high school since he worked across the street from my high school.  Even though he was a quiet person, he had a great sense of humor and wonderful personality that shined through his smile.  My prayers go out to the entire Celaya family.  May God give you strength to get through this very difficult time.

I will always remember you Ray my deepest and sincere sympathy go out to his family,  I will remember the great time we had on the river when we went canoeing, Ray played the guitar and keep us laughing I will never forget you.

Raymond, we shared many happy times as members of the JFK Band. You wil be missed by many. My deepest sympathy to all of your family and friends. Our God welcomes you with open arms.
David Molina

Raymond and I were classmates at Edgewood Jr. High until we graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in 1975. I remember him being a kind and shy person which were qualities that made him the person he was.  I also remember he grew up in a large family with many brothers and sisters and your loss has changed your family, but in time I pray you'll remember him in laughter, smiles and memories of happy times.

To the "Celaya" family; my sincerest condolences. Peace be with all of you.

May the good memories remain in the hearts of all family and friends. My deepest sympathy to your family. (Friend and co-worker of Maria Fernandez, USAA)

OBITUARY

Sgt. Raymond F Celaya U.S. Air Force, Veteran

April 7, 1957 – July 8, 2011

Colonial Funeral Home

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