1927
2013
Gordon Raymond
Lansing, MI
Gordon Samuel Raymond age 86, passed away peacefully in his sleep as the Lord called him home on November 13, 2013. He was born May 22, 1927 to Clare and Margaret Kimmerer Raymond.
Gordon grew up in Mason, MI graduating from high school in 1945. He was eager to serve his country and immediately joined the United States Marine Corps and served as a Private First Class in the Separation Battalion at Camp LeJeune, NC. He then attended Michigan State College (MSU) where he received his Associate Degree and began his lifelong career as an Electrician. His skills were used on such buildings as Elliott, Sycamore, and Midway Elementary Schools in Holt, MI as well as the Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda, MI.
As an Electrician, Gordon was a member of the I.B.E.W. Local 665 and of N.E.C.A. serving both in many capacities with dedication and honor for 60 years. Gordie, as many people knew him, loved coaching his son Steve's little league basketball and baseball teams. He was an avid Detroit Tiger's and M.S.U. sports fan. He also enjoyed dancing, bowling, euchre, billiards, golf, woodworking, and traveling the U.S. Gordon will be remembered for his humor, his openly admitted "lack of patience", and his many "Gordon-isms."
Gordon was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Alice M. Hart Raymond; 9 siblings, Elmer, David, Bernice, Elizabeth, Lorna, Joyce, Eunice, Lawrence, and Gladys; 2 grandsons, Eric Culham and Brett Carter.
Gordon is survived by daughter, Kym Smythe of Haslett; former wife, Joanne Cole Raymond of Holt and their children, Steve (Marcia) Raymond of Las Vegas, NV, Jane (Chuck) Johnston of Henderson, NV, Susan Gailey (fiancé Terry DuArt) of Lansing; his stepchildren, Gary (Sue) Culham of Atlanta, Penny (Larry) Wheeler of Laingsburg, and Barry (Judy) Culham of Shaftsburg; 13 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. He is also survived by 2 siblings, Grace (Lewis) Hanley of Lansing and Mansil (Janet) Raymond of Mason; many nieces and nephews; kind friends and neighbors including Billie Theisen whom he referred to as his "sweetheart."
A Memorial Service will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 23, 2013 at Valley Farms Baptist Church, 1141 East State Rd. Lansing, MI with Reverend Dave Leisman officiating. The family will receive friends at the church form 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers Gordon requested that donations be made to Valley Farms Baptist Church or The Make-A-Wish Foundation Michigan Chapter, 230 Huron View Boulevard, Ann Arbor, MI 48103.
The family would like to thank the aides and med-techs from Optimal Medical Staffing, Prestige Pines of Dewitt, and Hospice Advantage for their loving care and friendship.
The family is being served by the Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 205 E. Washington, Dewitt, MI 48820.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Steve & Marcia Raymond.
February 21, 2014
Bonnie Rennirt
We are so sorry for your loss. The Shaver family grew up just a few houses down from the Raymond family. We have very fond memories growing up on Walnut Street, and especially living close to the Raymonds. I still remember going down to your house to watch the "Wizard of Oz" each year when it was on television. We watched it there because you had a color TV; ours was black and white. We always felt welcomed. My mom, Claire, shared some of her memories of Gordy. According to her, one of the things Gordy said often was, "You can't have bare naked coffee. You always have to have something with it, at least a cookie." She said Alice would often make chocolate no-bake cookies to go with the coffee. She also told me that every time the song "Tiny Bubbles" was played, Gordy would say, "That's our song, Claire, let's dance." When my brother, Bud, was in college, he painted your house. While Bud was painting, your dad would hum or whistle "Bridge Over Troubled Water". Even now, whenever my mom hears either of those songs, she thinks fondly of Gordy. Many years later, Claire and Gordy were surprised when they found themselves in the same elevator in a large medical facility. They had both been at a doctor's appointment. They didn't go to the same doctor, but their doctors were located in the same building. They ended up having a cup of coffee before they left the building. I'm not sure if it was "naked coffee" or if cookies were involved. I fondly remember Gordy's smile and the twinkle in his eye. He was always very nice to us.
February 7, 2014
Horace Hull
To the family
Gordy was one of the persons who helped my get into the electrical apprenticeship back in 1963 , for this i will forever
be grateful . I was also on the board of directors of NECA when he was our chapter mgr. during some very trying times and Gordy was instrumental in getting us back on track during a very tough economic time . He was a very dedicated to the make a wish program which he inspired NECA to take a part in. May the good Lord bless all of you during this very trying time and comfort all of you with some special blessings.
December 29, 2013
It was great knowing Gordon. It was a joy talking about his life and about the people we knew. It is amazing that our path did not cross before he became Ill.
It was my blessing to be able to visit him.
Terry Morgan
December 16, 2013
Daniel Adcock
Gordon was a great man to me. He was always supportive and worked his tail off trying to teach me how to pick up a ground ball while playing baseball. His son, Steve, was one of my great buddies growing up. We often would challenge Gordon's patience and understandings. I imagine both Steve and I are better guys because of Gordon's firm, but loving behavioral interventions! Both Gordon and Alice gave me their best. I spent a lot of time with Steve and the Raymond family. They fed me, listened to be, and put up with my childish ways. I loved being with them. One of the best days of my childhood was spent with Steve, Gordon, Alice, and later with my folks. Gordon and Alice took Steve and me to a Tiger game. We had front row box seats. We talked with Al, Rocky, and several other Tigers prior to the game. Later, my folks took us to Jackson Speedway where we watched Gordon Johncock blast past 30 other racers to win some kind of championship race. For a couple of young guys life couldn't get much better than that. My hat is off to Gordon. Thanks Coach for your love and support. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers!
Dan Adcock
December 14, 2013
Here are some 'Gordon-isms' that his family and friends remember...
"Locking your doors will keep the honest thieves out"
"Is the Pope Catholic?"
"Almost as good as homemade"
(When he knew it WAS homemade.)
"It'll put hair on your chest"
"Eeee Gads!"
"Don't do as I do... Do as I tell you to do"
"Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise"
"I may not always be right, but I am never wrong"
"Mind your mother"
"Home again, home again, jiggity jig"
"Nice trip Gladys!"
"Go play in the street"
"Don't be a stranger"
"Do something, even if it's wrong"
"Stop the world! I want to get off!"
November 23, 2013
I am very sorry for your loss. My love thoughts and prayers are with you all. Dawn Flynn Bacon
November 22, 2013
I lived across the street from Gordon and Alice in Michigan and Arizona. He was a wonderful neighbor and we had many great trips together. I will never forget his amazing sense of humor or all the fun times we had playing cards together. Gordon was a wonderful man who would do anything for you. He would give the shirt off his back if he had to. My son ( Jerry Heiden) and myself (Lydia Heiden) are praying for all of Gordons family. If you ever need anything feel free to contact us.
November 22, 2013
rosemary pasch
Your dad and loving father will be solely missed. He was a wonderful neighbor to my parents (Heidens) and had a wonderful sense of humor. My prayers are with all of your family during this time of your loss.
A friend,
Rosemary and Irv Pasch
November 22, 2013
Rose Baxter
I will never forget the day I met your Dad at Grovenburg Park. So glad I got to meet him. Helped me to relate with every time you talked about him. So glad you know where he is so that even though you will miss him dearly, you have a peace of knowing you will see him again one day. Love you soooo much girl!
November 21, 2013
Susan
My dad was hardworking, giving, generous, admired, respected, loved, and enjoyed by many. I know he left his mark on many, many hearts. He was a good man. I will cherish what we shared.
November 21, 2013
Carrie Meckstroth (Bacon)
Aunt Sue I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers, love, and hugs from my family to all of you!
November 21, 2013
Susan Raymond/Gailey
My dad, Gordon, recited to his son, Steve, the St.Francis Prayer when asked years ago, "Dad, What words do you try to live by?" I share it now with you in his name:
GOD grant me the SERENITY
to accept the things I cannot change
COURAGE to change the things I can,
and WISDOM to know the difference.
November 19, 2013
Steve & Marcia Raymond
"The Broken Chain"
We little knew that day,
God was going to call your name.
In life we loved you dearly,
In death, we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you.
You did not go alone.
For part of us went with you,
The day God called you home.
You left us beautiful memories,
Your love is still our guide.
And although we cannot see you,
You are always at our side.
Our family chain is broken,
And nothing seems the same,
But as God calls us one by one,
The chain will link again.
Author: Ron Tranmer
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