Raymond is a very distinguished war hero. He served in the ARMY from 1965 to 1968. He received many medals while in the service. Raymond received the Bronze Star, the National Defense Service Special Unit Award, Combat Infantry Badge, Good Conduct Badge, and the Vietnam Campaign Service Medal given to him by South Vietnam. He also received Overseas Service Bars. Raymond was in combat in Vietnam where he was MIA. He was honorably discharged from the ARMY after three years at the rank of specialist, which is directly below Corporal.
Raymond had one son from a previous marriage, Raymond James Appel in October 1978.
Raymond then went on to meet the love of his life Judy Smith in which they were united in Holy Matrimony on November 10, 1988. In this union he gained 5 daughters, Elizabeth (Beth) Ann, Teresa Lynn, Tracey JoAnn, Kimberly, and Susan Michelle. His girls have always been his world.
Daddy was not only a war hero, but he was our personal hero. He loved us with all his heart. He took on four little girls hurt and upset as we lost our father not even six months after he married our mom and never looked back. He is our personal hero in all cases as “He Didn’t Have to Be” our father who raised very independent and strong willed women.
Raymond never met a stranger. He was a great jokster and picked on his girls their whole life. He loved to see women smile and was a big flirt.
Raymond was preceded in death by both his parents, his brother James Appel, the love of his life, his wife, Judy Appel, daughter Kimberly Wright Hale, and grand-daughter Samantha Regina Rose Nobles.
He leaves to cherish his memeory his children Elizabeth Ann Salas of Houston, Teresa (Jeremy) Owings of Lubbock, Tracey(Albert Arkadie) Wright of Corpus Christi, Raymond James(Misty) Appel of Rockport,Susan ( Jeremiah) Nobles of Snyder. His grand-children Ryan, Wesley and Colby Anderson, Ashleigh (Juan) Pecina-Falcon, Jay Falcon Jr., Carlos Falcon, Jacob Owings, Precious and Nisa Arkadie, Raymond J Appel Jr., Cheyenn Dawn Appel, Raymond W., Johnathan, and Skylor Nobles. His great-grand children Aurora Falcon, Addie Pecina, Bella Pecina, Junior Pecina-Falcon, and Aveah Anderson. Also a host of friends, family, and other children he called his own who adored him just as he adored and loved them.
Services will be held Wednesday September 7, 2022 at 2 pm at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery located at 7457 W. Lake Road Abilene, Texas 79601.
The family would like to express a special thank you to Lubbock Hospice and the staff and nurses at Convenant Medical Center.
Thank you to Resthaven Funeral Home and staff for helping us with all the final arrangements.
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