Lloyd Raymond

There was no greater honor for Lloyd Raymond than that of dedicated husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. A man who influenced by example, he set his expectations high, all while being a loving and supportive force in the lives of those he loved. Deeply missed, his legacy lives on in the hearts of those he leaves behind. By 1931, the difficult days of the Great Depression created a jobless rate of nearly four million. Indeed a trying time in our nations history, yet hope was found as families were in awe as New York City opened the Empire State Building, and celebrated as the Star-Spangled Banner was adopted as the U.S. national anthem. Amidst these trying times in the lakeshore city of Muskegon, Michigan, Ellis J. and Anna M. (Nelson) Raymond had reason to celebrate on January 20, 1931 as they welcomed the birth of their little boy, Lloyd. The youngest and fourth child, young Lloyd joined his older siblings, Harold, Marge, and Clara. His father was a hard working machinist, and his mother remained at home as a homemaker. Despite the onset of World War II which made for worrisome hearts, Lloyd led a childhood typical of his generation. Growing up in Muskegon overlooking Muskegon Lake on the south side of the city provided Lloyd with numerous adventures as a boy. He ran around with neighborhood friends, and was well liked by everyone he met. During his youth he had a paper route delivering the Muskegon Chronicle. He enjoyed fishing, and camping with his family made for memorable times. Lloyd attended Froebel Elementary and Middle School, and in high school played football. He graduated from Muskegon High School with the Class of 1949, and went on to further his education at Muskegon Community College where he earned an associates degree in Materials Management. It was while attending a dance at the AFL-CIO hall when Lloyd met the young woman of his dreams, Marilyn Mae Mueller. After bumping into one another in the crowd, Lloyd asked her for a dance, and she accepted. Quite a handsome couple, they shared their first kiss that very night, and soon began dating. Although their romance blossomed, it was soon interrupted, however, when Marilyn left to study dental assisting in Indiana for a year. It was at the same time when duty called for Lloyd and he entered the U.S. Air Force. The height of the Korean War, Lloyd served from 1950 to 1954. Stationed at Shepard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas, Lloyd served as a medic and drove ambulance while in the service. Even though the couple kept in contact, their separation proved to be difficult at times, but love prevailed in the hearts of Lloyd and Marilyn. On May 5, 1951 they were joined in marriage before a congregation of family and friends. To support his new bride, Lloyd landed a job at Teledyne Continental Motors. He began there as a floor sweeper, eventually retiring after 40 years in a leadership position. Nothing made Lloyd happier than providing for the family he loved and adored. Their daughter Laura came along in 1952, followed by Linda in 1955. Doug was born in 1956, and Dan completed their family in 1965. Marilyn made a good home for Lloyd and their children in the nearby city of Norton Shores where numerous and fun-filled times were shared as a family. They took vacations to Cedar Point, Chicago, and spent wonderful times together at their summer cottage at Silver Lake. They toured Mackinac Island, and visited the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee. Lloyd was nothing but nurturing and protective of those he loved. Even though he set high expectations and instilled a strong work ethic, he was ever the loving and supportive father. Family connection was a high priority, and working towards compromise was just as important. He even taught his children how to place tinsel on the Christmas tree . . . one strand at a time. And if more than one was put on at a time, they were removed and then done, the correct way! Lloyd shared great times with his kids. It was a family tradition to play card games, and they golfed together, too. One time while watching the kids play on their Honda 50 motorcycle, Lloyd decided to take it for a spin. After popping a wheelie and landing on his backside, he never rode a motorcycle again, especially after the entire incident was caught on camera! Well liked and highly respected, Lloyd shared the friendships of many. He made many friends at work, with his bowling and golfing team members. At deer camp he served as the camp cook. Lloyd loved to hunt, but rarely killed anything. However, one day while sitting on a rock hunting in Colorado, an elk sauntered by and he took a shot. Clearly successful, his fellow hunters never saw a man do such a happy dance as Lloyd did that day. Among his varied interests, Lloyd was also a member of the American Legion. He loved spending time gardening. In addition, Lloyd was an ongoing participant at the Mercy Cardiac Rehabilitation Center where he was very influential in motivating others. Lloyd had a love for travel, and early in their marriage, he and Marilyn loved horse racing. Throughout the years they took annual trips to celebrate their anniversary to tracks all over the country including Churchill Downs, Pamlico, the Detroit Race Track (DRC), and many others. After retiring, they both enjoyed visiting the nearby casinos several evenings a week where Marilyn was known to be quite lucky. Lloyd was a loving and dedicated caregiver to Marilyn for seven years until her eventual death in 2011. It was the most difficult time in his life, but through the love and support of family and friends, Lloyd placed his efforts into his family. He regularly attended his grandchildrens sporting and school events, and continued to enjoy weekend family dinners and card games. He also enjoyed a tremendous trip to Hawaii with his family. As his beloved grandchildren grew older, Lloyd made regular phone calls to keep in touch with his grandchildren and informed about their lives, no matter how far away they lived. A man of integrity, Lloyd had a way all his own for getting along well with others. He was a gentleman in every respect, and was well respected by his peers. More than anything, it was the gift of family that brought Lloyd to a life of hard work, dedication, and devotion. He will be dearly missed, but the beautiful memories he leaves will continue to be forever cherished. Mr. Lloyd V. Raymond, age 84, passed away Wednesday, June 10, 2015. SURVIVORS: Daughters, Laura (Randy) Miller, Linda (Charles) Bush; sons, Douglas Raymond, Dan (Marie) Raymond; 18 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; brother, Harold Raymond; sister, Clara Schoenmaker. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marilyn and by his sister, Marge Craaybeck. SERVICE: Wednesday, June 17, 2015, 11:00 am at the Clock Chapel-Muskegon with Preacher Bruce Wilson officiating and Military Honors under the Auspices of the Muskegon County Council of Veterans. Interment in Mona View Cemetery. VISITATION: Tuesday, June 16, 2015, 6-8 pm and Wednesday, one hour prior to the service at Clock Funeral Home-Muskegon. MEMORIAL: In lieu of flowers, please consider giving to Harbor Hospice Poppen House. To share a favorite memory or photo of Lloyd and to sign his online guest book, please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com.