LeRoy Robert Raymond

Roy was born in Oakland, C A to María “Mae” and Manuel “Step” Raymond. He passed away peacefully at home in Fremont, CA at the age of 103.

He grew up in Irvington with his older sister Agnes at the Hotel Irvington, which was owned by his parents. He attended Irvington Grammar School and graduated in 1937 from Washington High School. Roy played the trumpet in the school band and orchestra, was yell leader for his class three years in a row, and participated in football and track and field. After graduation, he worked at the Irvington Meat Market until November 30, 1940, when he volunteered for the draft in San Francisco.

Roy proudly served in the US Army Air Corps, 15^th Air Force, 325^th Fighter Group, 318^th Fighter Squadron, Checkertail Clan as a pilot of P-51 Mustangs, flying 52 combat missions. He was awarded, among others, the Air Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters and the Distinguished Flying Cross. He was honorably discharged as a 1^st Lieutenant in 1945.

After the war ended, Roy returned to Irvington and went to work for PG&E. He married Arletha Stradley of Kansas on January 12, 1947, and they had three children. They lived together in Fremont for the rest of their lives.

In addition to raising his family and working, Roy loved to garden. A true man of the earth, he grew enough food for his family and friends from his backyard garden plot to feed us all year long. He was an active seaman, becoming a life member of the South Bay Yacht Club, serving twice as Port Captain, Vice Commodore, and Commodore. A true fan of woodworking and antique engines, he was a life member of the Early Day Gas Engine and Tractor Association. He enjoyed attending fairs with his club and displaying some of the 32 antique engines he restored to working condition. He could also be found frequenting air shows, watching for new advances in aviation – but he maintained his love of the P-51 Mustang as the finest aircraft ever built.

Roy is preceded in death by his parents Mae and Step Raymond, sister Agnes Raymond, and wife Arletha Raymond. He is survived by his son Steven Raymond (Jan), daughter Linda Scott (Bryan), son Jeff Raymond, grandchildren Dr. Erin Scott (Dr. William Ridgeway), Dr. Trevor Scott (Dr. Lily Guerrero), and great grandchild Zoe Scott.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Roy’s favorite charity: Disabled Veterans of America.