Raymond Read Ramsower, Jr.

Raymond Read Ramsower, Jr. was born on February 6, 1933 to Raymond Read Ramsower, Sr. and Lavine Ramsower in Wharton, Texas. Mr. Ramsower passed away on December 4, 2024 following a long battle with MDS. Known as Read during his youth, he grew up in Wharton and graduated from Wharton High School in 1951. Raymond enlisted with the United States Army after graduation and completed basic training in 1953 at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. He saw active duty during the cease-fire phase of the Korean War. He was stationed with the 2nd Infantry Division at Camp Casey on the 38th Parallel, South Korea, as well as Puson, South Korea. He attained the rank of Corporal (T) and received the following awards: Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Korean Service Medal. He recalled his years of service fondly and regaled friends and family with stories of his adventures from boot camp onward, including hijinks with his brother-in-law, Frankie.

After his honorable discharge from the Army in 1956, Raymond enrolled at Texas Technical College in Lubbock and on April 21, 1957 married Mary Jane Svatek of Wharton, Texas. He graduated in 1960 with a BS in Education, majoring in Teaching Mathematics. While a student, Raymond supported his growing family by working various jobs, including as a short-order cook at the Toddle House – another source of many entertaining anecdotes. After graduation, Raymond moved his growing family to Corpus Christi, where he began teaching mathematics at the junior high level; subsequently he taught high school, junior college and prison classes. While teaching, he tutored and worked various other odd jobs, while earning a Master of Science Degree from Texas A&I University in 1969.

In 1971 Raymond and his family moved to Angleton to assist his mother and assume the reins of the family business, Ramsower Blacksmith and Welding, which had its inception in Burnett, Texas as a black-smith operation, was relocated to Wharton and finally to Angleton. The business transitioned into a steel fabrication business over time as Raymond brought it up-to-date with custom equipment and quality service. The business became RR Ramsower, Incorporated in 1974 with Raymond as president of the company for 50 years, after which he transferred ownership to his children ensuring the continuation of this 4th generation company.

A loving father, Raymond was heavily involved in the activities of his children and grandchildren. Raymond served as a Cub Scout pack master for his boys in Corpus Christi. He logged countless miles attending athletic events, dance recitals, plays and other activities. He was their biggest cheerleader and always encouraged them to work hard and do their best.

Not only was his immediate family important to Raymond, he thought extended family was important, too. In 1989 Raymond initiated the Ramsower Family Reunion to ensure that the family connection would remain intact. The inaugural reunion was held at his house in Angleton and subsequent reunions were held in various locations. He wanted to turn the reunion over to the younger generation, the baby boomers “you children” to ensure its continuity. These reunions had talent shows, games, great food, fellowship and lots of laughter!

On June 24, 1995 Raymond married Mildred Beyer Hobbs of Wharton, Texas. They lived in Angleton for 29 years. They took many trips together and enjoyed traveling around the country and abroad. He was particularly interested in history and relished his visits to Washington DC and other locations in New England, where they visited numerous museums, memorials and historic sites. What a blessing that they were able to complete a Fatima and Lourdes pilgrimage in 2017. Raymond treated Mildred’s children and grand-children as his own, attending almost every one of their activities and supporting them in their chosen careers.

A devout Catholic, Read was the Director of Religious Education for a time in Corpus Christi. He also served in the lay ministry field, as recently as 2019 he served in a Catholic prison ministry at the Ramsey Unit. He was an active member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church. He was an avid reader and student of philosophy, even to the point of studying Latin until the age of 90. 

Music was important to Read, he loved classical and big band music and had a great appreciation for musical talent. Although Read played French horn in junior high and high school, his true musical gifts were singing and whistling. Read told the story of sitting on his mother’s lap as she sang “Red Wing” in a slow and mournful fashion, as befitted the lyrics. His family continues this tradition, singing it to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The song became his hallmark, classmates and family would attest that Read had a beautiful voice and would sing “Red Wing” at every talent show and family reunion. Read sang “Until the 12th of Never” to Mildred in their wedding ceremony and for the last time just three days before he passed away. He also sang “Red Wing” on Sunday, at the request of those of us blessed enough to be with him at that time.

Athletic from youth, Raymond was a member of the high school track, tennis and boxing teams, and the 1950 State Championship Football Team. An avid supporter of the Houston Rockets and Houston Astros, Read watched every game on TV and attended many in person; if the game was recorded he would only watch it if they won. It was a real joy when the Astro’s won the World Series in 2017 and 2022, and the Rockets won back-to-back championships in 1994 and 1995. Even when his health was failing, he’d watch the games and could discuss in detail what changes needed to be made to make the teams better.

Raymond believed in serving the community and volunteered at the United Way of Brazoria County and supported the Junior Achievement Project Business Sponsor Pilot Program. He was a member of the Angleton Chamber of Commerce, serving as director from 1976-1979, president from 1977-1978, and past president in 1978. He was a member of the Texas Gulf Coast Associated Builders and Contractors, served on their board of directors from 1980 until 1985 and was president in 1985. Raymond was an active member of the Angleton Noon Lions Club, serving as president in 1978. Finally, he provided his service as a bell-ringer the Salvation Army for many years.

Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond Read Ramsower, Sr. and Lavine Lydia (Lillie) Ramsower, and his siblings: Mary Virginia Peltier and husband Mitch, Genelle Speer and husband Stanley, Lodell Payne and husband Lee, and Willdale Ramsower.

He is survived by his loving wife, Mildred Ramsower, children: Rebecca Brown of Angleton; Stephen Ramsower and wife, Sandra, of Lake Jackson; Michael Ramsower and wife, Susan, of San Antonio; John Ramsower and wife, Stephanie, of Angleton; and Richard Ramsower and wife, Mary, of Spring. Surviving grandchildren are: Jeremy Pyeatt (Alissa), Elizabeth Thompson (Benjamin), Jessica McDaniel (Christopher), Jason Ramsower (Madison), Rachel Ramsower, Mary Koonce (Lyle), Mark Ramsower (Laura), Emily Ramsower, Joseph Ramsower, Heidi Urquidi (Julio), Zachary Ramsower, Riley Ramsower, Asher Ramsower, Ryan Ramsower, and Sean Ramsower. Great-grandchildren are: Andrew, Julia, Alistair, Edison, Wren, Samantha, Isabella, Maevry, Heath, Rowan and Owen. He is also survived by his step-children: David Hobbs of Houston, Timothy Hobbs and wife, Shannon, of Wharton, and Paul Hobbs and wife, Willie, of Caldwell, Texas; step-grandchildren: Justin Hobbs, MaKayla Taska-Genzer (Peyton), Allison Hobbs, Payton Calk, Kendall Calk, Clay Goodin (Stefanie), Billy Goodin, Steven Goodin, and Victoria Hernandez (Pablo); and step-great-grandchildren: Madden, Maverick, Camden and River. Mr. Ramsower is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Services for Mr. Ramsower will be held as follows:

Visitation: Thursday, December 12, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. at Palms Funeral Home

Rosary: Thursday, December 12, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. at Palms Funeral Home

Funeral Service: Friday, December 13, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church

Interment: Friday, December 13, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Evergreen Memorial Park in Wharton

Pall Bearers will be Mr. Ramsower’s grandsons: Jeremy Pyeatt, Mark Ramsower, Jason Ramsower, Zachary Ramsower, Joseph Ramsower, Ryan Ramsower, Sean Ramsower and Asher Ramsower.

The family wishes to thank the doctors and nurses at M.D. Anderson for their excellent care during Read’s lengthy battle with MDS, as well as the IPH Home Health Care and the IPH Hospice team.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church for the purchase of a pipe organ, the Salvation Army, or IPH Home Health Care/Hospice. Condolences may be sent to: 105 Houston Avenue, Angleton, Texas 77515.