Raymond J. DeLarue

Raymond "Ray" Joseph DeLarue (83) went home to his Lord and Savior on September 1, 2016. Born March 13, 1933, in Eunice, Louisiana, Ray was the son of Ariel and Jane Nita DeLarue. Ray was married to Maudene L. Merdie on January 10, 1954, and they have six children together. They loved sharing a cup of coffee and a honey bun together every morning. He had a great appreciation for art and loved to draw and paint in his spare time. He also had a good sense of humor. Ray served in the US Navy during the Korean Conflict. He was a pastor at the Flora Vista Baptist Church and was often seen reading his bible; he was not embarrassed of his love for the Lord, and wants everyone to learn of Him. Ray would like to say a goodbye to his church, "I'm good at 8 a.m., pretty at 10. - See you!" Ray worked for Farmington Municipal Schools Transportation Department as a School Bus Driver of buses #1 and #51. Bob Beevers heard Ray had gotten his CDL to be a truck driver, but Bob told Ray, "I need you." so Ray went to work for FMS staying there for 20 years and retired in 2015. He loved the children he transported and he loved and cared for his co-workers, and was a big tease. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Dolores T. DeLarue. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Maudene; daughters, Rhonda (Don) Heminway, Kim Smith, and Debra (Nick) Kropsch; sons, Durwin, Daniel, and Timothy; 9 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Ray was dearly loved and will be dearly missed. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 7 at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 211 W. 20th St. in Farmington, with Pastor Steve Ballew officiating. Interment will be at 2:15 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 8 in the Santa Fe National Cemetery, 501 N. Guadalupe St. in Santa Fe. Ray's arrangements are with Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home 103 E. Ute St. in Farmington 505-325-8688.