Robert B. Raymond Sr.

It is with immeasurable sadness that we say goodbye to our patriarch Robert B. “Bob” Raymond. He died peacefully on January 27, 2020. Our solace comes in knowing that after almost 97 years, he is free of his earthly body and is unquestionably being welcomed into heaven in grand fashion by his parents, his nine siblings, and incalculable extended family and friends. Our dad was an amazingly solid and unshakeable husband, father, and Christian Catholic. He earned the deep respect of all who knew him through his consistent unwavering Christianity, integrity, and love of his family. Our mother and father’s love affair started almost 80 years ago. After enlisting in the Navy during World War 2, he made a promise to our mother he would return and marry her after his service as a Marine Medical Corpsman in the 6th Marine Division serving in the Pacific Campaign. When the Navy offered to put him through medical school in exchange for re-enlistment, he declined simply explaining that he had made a promise he intended to keep. With that he returned to New Orleans and married Noemie Thiele, took up the jewelry trade and founded Raymond’s Jewelry Creations originally located in the Maison Blanche building, now the Ritz Carlton. Bob and Mimi did not merely produce five children. They created a family built around Christian values with the deepest of bonds among siblings, grandchildren, and great grandchildren that will go on forever. He modeled our family after the holy family and had a great devotion to St Joseph. Our mother was precious to him and his never waning love for her was demonstrated to us daily. Although our mother says they had their disagreements, we never ever heard a cross word between them. January 5th, 2020 we all celebrated their 74th anniversary. He cherished our family gatherings. Upon becoming empty-nesters they moved to Kenner, LA, joined St Philip Neri Catholic Church and designed their next home specifically for large family celebrations and put it to good use. Countless birthday, Christmas, anniversary, and any excuse to get together parties were held there. The memories created will echo through the walls and be carried on by the 50+ people that now make up our family.

Our dad had very simplistic philosophies for conducting his life and he never wavered from them. Treat others as you want to be treated. Be accountable, if you mess up, take responsibility, say you’re sorry, and don’t do it again. He prayed unceasingly.

Robert is survived by his wife of 74 years Noemie Thiele Raymond; children Robert B. Raymond, Jr. (Elizabeth), Richard S. Raymond (Paula), Patty Raymond Dugas (Robert J.), Don H. Raymond, and Gregory Joseph Raymond (Charlene); grandchildren Jennifer Raymond Partenfelder (Bernie), Dennis Paul Raymond (Kristy), Kristen Raymond Joubert, Stephen Raymond (Lela), Stephanie Claire Raymond Leblanc (Robert), Bridget Anne Raymond Weiderhold (Clark), Michelle Dugas, Allison Dugas Behan (James), Don H. Raymond, Jr. (Erin), Robert J. Raymond M.D., Alex M. Raymond (Megan), G.J. Raymond (Ashley), and Sarah Stracke (Andrew); great-grandchildren Macy Partenfelder, Myles, Luke & Julia Joubert, Charlie Raymond, Josie Raymond, Braeden, Emily & Amelia LeBlanc, Lucy, Grant & Millie Wiederhold, Brennan & Claire Behan, Cecilia, Griffin, Foster & Julia Clare Raymond, William Raymond, and Henry Stracke.

He is preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Alice Raymond and nine siblings Arthur Raymond, Jr., Marcelle Duffel, Ferdinand Raymond, Alice Sharp, Roger Raymond, Harold Raymond, Sister Andre (Lucille) Raymond, Francis Raymond and Eugenie Vega.

Robert was a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters since 1939. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass in the Chapel of Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home on Thursday January 30, 2020. Visitation will begin at 9:00am with a mass at 11:00AM. Interment will be in Lake Lawn Park and Mausoleum.

The family invites you to share your thoughts, fond memories, and condolences online at www.lakelawnmetairie.com.