Eugene Joseph “Bake” Raymond, 65, of Andreas, formerly of Tuscarora, went to his heavenly home on February 11, 2021 after a six week battle with Covid-19.
He was the husband of Ruth Marie (Helfrich) Raymond, whom he married March 27, 1981, and they had the most beautiful, inspiring love. Gene would do anything for his “Pretty Blue Eyes”, as she would for him.
On most days, Gene could be found in his garage. As a retired Snap-On Tool dealer, he spent most of his days working on his 1955 Chevy that he restored or enjoying the 1963 Buick Wildcat that was passed on to him from his father-in-law. He was so proud to pass his love of antique cars onto his youngest daughter, Erin. They loved going to car shows together. Gene could fix anything. And if he couldn’t fix it anymore, it was time to throw it out.
Gene and Ruth enjoyed traveling together. Gene loved Aruba and Alaska the most, but his favorite place to be was at home with his family. He was the best dad, a true gentleman, and loved his girls with all his heart. He & Ruth showed their daughters what true love should look like. Gene was so proud to walk his youngest daughter, Erin, down the aisle at her wedding this past June as she married her husband, Rick Zelinski. He loved Eastern European food, but after marrying Ruth and moving to West Penn, he could eat a tomato sandwich from the garden with the best of them. Gene loved hunting and was so happy to be able to teach his son-in-law this hobby.
He was an active member of the Tamaqua/Mahanoy City Masonic Lodge #238, serving as a Senior Deacon and earning his 25 year service emblem in 2017. Gene loved his church and was a member of Zion’s Stone Church of West Penn Township. He served on the board, was a Sunday School teacher, and was always one of the first to sign up as a volunteer for numerous dinners, fundraisers, and socials. After receiving his life-saving lung transplant in 2015, he felt so blessed, he wanted to dedicate the rest of his life to giving back & serving God. And he did. Gene was kind, caring, and shared more love in his short 65 years than some experience in a lifetime. And gosh, did we love him back. We should all be a little more like Gene. Gene was born on May 30, 1955, a son of the late Joseph "Cotton" and Helen (Watsula) Raymond. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Bernadine (Raymond) Oakes.
Surviving are: Wife of nearly 40 years, Ruth Marie (Helfrich); daughters, Angel Sarah Danielle Raymond of Woodbridge, VA and Erin Jenna, wife of Rick Zelinski, of Andreas.
Graveside service for friends and family will be held at 11 am on Saturday, February 20, 2021, at Zion’s Stone Church Cemetery, 45 Cemetery Rd., New Ringgold, PA 17960, with Rev. Russell Campbell officiating. Friends may call at the Hartman Funeral Home on Friday from 6-8pm. Contributions may be made to the church. CDC guidelines will be followed, social distancing and masks are required. Arrangements are being handled by the Hartman Funeral Home, 1791 West Penn Pike, Rte. 309, New Ringgold. Online condolences may be made at www.hartmanfuneralhomeinc.com.