Henry Eugene Raymond's Obituary
Henry Eugene “Gene” Raymond, long time resident of Loudoun County, Va., passed peacefully from this life on September 27, 2016 following a short illness. He was born on July 5, 1930 in Baltimore, Maryland, the son of the late Henry Russell Raymond and Loretta Fauth Raymond. He is survived by his beloved wife and friend of 56 years, Patricia Jean Eyler Raymond and by nieces Laura R. Cushing and Sally R. Spickler and a nephew Russ Raymond. He was predeceased by his brother, Edward Russell Raymond and sister-in-law, Iris Belle Raymond.
Mr. Raymond grew up in Hagerstown, Maryland and graduated from Hagerstown High School, continuing his studies at Hagerstown Community College and the University of Maryland. His dream of attending the U.S. Naval Academy was dashed by the Korean Conflict and the call to serve his country. Corporal Raymond, later promoted to the rank of Sargent, served with the 555th Field Artillery Battalion of the U.S. Army. He was assigned to the Armor Division, where he earned citations for expert marksmanship. His intellect and ability to relate to people prompted his commanders to temporarily remove him from combat to use his skills in the classroom teaching mathematics.
His “superior” contribution was recognized not only within his immediate chain of command, but prompted a classroom visit from General Maxwell Taylor. Mr. Raymond proudly defended his country's freedom and his strong sense of patriotism never wavered. He was a lifelong member of the American Legion.
Mr. Raymond returned to Hagerstown from Seoul, Korea following his honorable discharge from the Army. There he launched his career as a surveyor with Baker-Wibberley & Associates, later joining the prominent engineering firm of Dewberry, Nealon and Davis in Fairfax, Va., Most notably he served as the project engineer for Montgomery Village, being part of a pioneering approach to urban community planning. Mr. Raymond decided to expand his career with a move into the public sector. Fairfax County Government's Department of Environmental Management welcomed his expertise and placed him in the role of Civil Engineer with the Division of Design Review. His contribution went far beyond expertise in the engineering field. His integrity, commitment and ability to achieve collaboration were well recognized. He established credibility and earned the respect of not only his colleagues but from the public he served.
Mr. Raymond held a great appreciation for nature, and served as its steward. Fortunate were the homeless kitties who made their way to the safe and nurturing environment offered by the Raymonds. He was an avid football fan, faithfully attending Redskin games for over thirty years. Baseball was also a passion and Number 1 on his "Bucket List" was the desire to attend a New York Yankees’ game in the old stadium, a wish he realized in 2008 as he saw the next to the last game played there.
Mr. Raymond was a man of faith and a loyal friend, advisor and mentor to many. His humor, intellect, compassion and companionship will be sorely missed. He truly lived a life of love, laughter and learning and left a legacy that will live on through the lives of those he touched.
The family will receive guests at 4 pm on Thursday, October 6, 2016, and again from 6 pm until 7pm at the Loudoun Funeral Chapel, 158 Catoctin Circle, SE, Leesburg, VA 20175. A memorial service to celebrate Gene’s life will begin at 5 pm. Refreshments will be provided.
A graveside service with military honors will be held on Friday, October 7, 2016 at 1:00 pm at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Boonesboro, Maryland, where Gene had been a lifelong member. Reverend Anne Weatherholt, Rector will be officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society of Loudoun County P.O. Box 777, Leesburg, VA 20178 or to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church 18313 Lappan’s Road, Boonsboro, MD 21713.
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