Raymond Ralph Luna, affectionately known as "Papa Ray", passed away at the Ambrosio Guillen Texas State Veterans Home, in El Paso, Texas, on November 17th, 2023, at the age of 88. Papa Ray Luna leaves behind his wife, Tina, of 67 years, daughter Ruth, son Mark and daughter-in-law Mona, as well as three grandchildren (Dimitri, Jacob, & Joseph) and four great grandchildren (Elijah “Ray”, Elyannah, Daniel, & Thea). Papa Ray joins his son Ralph and grandchild Rene in heaven.
Ray was born January 26th, 1935, and raised in El Paso, Texas. He graduated from Austin High School in 1953, and was so gifted an athlete that he made varsity and lettered his freshman year as their left-handed pitcher. After graduating, Ray joined the U.S. Marine Corps and later served in the Korean War. Ray was honorably discharged from service on August 10th, 1955. Ray went on to graduate from National Electronic College and became an electrician. After 30 years of civil service, Ray retired and spent his twilight years focusing on the things he and his wife loved in the God given home up Zion Street. He was a member of Park Hill Christian Church.
One of Ray's many passions was to travel with his wife throughout the entire United States to include Costa Rica and Europe, appreciating God's beauty and wonders of nature. They enjoyed collecting cultural art from their extensive travels. Ray had an artistic ability for creating southwestern art. He planted an extensive cactus garden with various cacti from all over the United States. In addition, he designed and built the facade of a replica of the Judge Roy Bean Courthouse and Jail. Friends and family were amazed of the detail of this replica of a southwest town.
Papa Ray was an avid outdoorsman, who loved to hunt and go camping with his family. Those who knew Ray understood that he was a passionate cowboy type, who appeared rough and full of grit, and yet had a big heart which he expressed openly to his family and friends. He was a faithful servant of the Lord and had a deep admiration for all music including hymns. Ray had a warm smile and a boisterous laugh that was only outshined by his love of sweets. Ray Luna will be greatly missed.
Memorial service and Graveside with U.S. Marine Corps Military Honors will be held at 2:00pm Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery, to honor his life.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.FunerariaDelAngelKM.com for the Luna family.
