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1933
2017
MEZA, Raymundo (Raymond) Raymundo (Raymond) Meza passed away peacefully in his sleep July 12th, 2017, in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Raymond was born in Eagle Pass, Texas on March 28th, 1933, to Jose Meza and Librada (Rodriguez) Meza. He was a lively, athletic child, as comfortable playing with his friends in the streets of Eagle Pass as he was across the Mexican border in Piedras Negras. While in junior high, he worked for his uncle Victor Rodriguez, who owned a print shop. Victor mentored Raymond and taught him the trade that he would eventually make his career. Raymond attended Eagle Pass schools throughout his youth, and graduated from Eagle Pass High School in 1953. He played football, basketball and baseball, but excelled in baseball, in which he earned All-District honors. Between his junior and senior years, he joined a crew of migrant farmworkers and travelled to Washington State to pick peas for the Green Giant company. It was a wonderful experience to see life outside of Eagle Pass and allowed him to earn money to send home to his mother. Shortly after graduating high school, he enrolled at the Southwest School of Printing in Dallas. He got off to a good start there but was soon drafted and, instead of requesting a student deferment, was inducted into the Army. He took his basic training at Camp Chaffee in Northwest Arkansas, an area he would remember fondly not only for its beautiful scenery but its bitter winter. He was later stationed in Fort Bragg, North Carolina and, after two years of service, he returned to Eagle Pass in September, 1955, to marry the love of his life, Delfina Bowles. Delfina and Raymond had known each other since childhood, graduating in the same class. They dated in high school, with Delfina attracted not only to the good-looking, outgoing young man, but the fact that he had a car. Upon leaving the service, he enrolled again in printing school in Dallas and began printing their wedding invitations. They were married in October 1955. While in Dallas they welcomed the first addition to their family, Melissa; three years later, after moving to nearby Mesquite, Rosella (Rosie) was born, and their only son Victor appeared on the scene in 1966. After working as a printer for Padgett Printing in Dallas for a dozen years, Raymond got the opportunity to move to Steck Vaughn Printing in 1967. The offer was too good to pass up, and it also gave him the chance to move back to a small town Austin. He worked for Steck Vaughn until it became Hart Graphics, serving those companies for a combined 30 years and forging important friendships that lasted until his death. He was highly respected for his professionalism, dedication and talent, but was equally esteemed among his co-workers for his work as a local union leader. Throughout his life he loved sports, particularly baseball. He coached Victor's little league team for several years, and played men's softball for work teams and in city leagues. He's known to have played ball well into his forties, but his recollections later in life stretched his playing years well into his sixties. He enjoyed retirement, but was excited when professional baseball returned to Central Texas and he was able to get a job in the game with the Round Rock Express as a parking attendant. Although the Texas heat can be brutal on an older man and the blacktop was unforgiving, he enjoyed the atmosphere of the ballpark. He got to be around players and fans, and even some fellow named Nolan Ryan, and was able to watch games after his duties were complete. In his 84th year, after daughter Melissa and her husband moved to Northwest Arkansas, Raymond and Delfina made the bold decision to move to Fayetteville and live in the house next door. Raymond loved the area and seemed to have a renewed vigor and excitement for life. As Delfina told Raymond, living in the Ozarks made them feel "closer to heaven." Survivors include wife Delfina of Austin; daughter Melissa (Meza) White and son-in-law John of Fayetteville, Arkansas; daughter Rosie of Austin; son Victor of Austin; three sisters, Maria Teresa, Alicia and Carmen; and two brothers, Gilberto and Mario. Raymond also leaves behind his beloved in-laws: Norma and Toby Booth; Edna and Frank Lopez; Rosella and the late Bill Aldridge; Rudy and Tere Bowles; and Frances Weatherly. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by all his nieces and nephews, especially Cyndi, Jimmy, Paige and Jennifer Allred and David Lopez.
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Sponsored by Cook-Walden Funeral Home.
6 Entries
My thoughts and prayers are of you and your family with the passing of Raymond Kay Harris Fayetteville Ar
July 24, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. Lisa from THA
Lisa Ramirez
July 20, 2017
My sincerest and deepest sympathy to the Meza family. I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Michelle Warren Childs
Michelle Childs
July 20, 2017
Ray was a fine and caring person. He will be greatly missed by family and friends. Please accept my deepest condolences. Keeping the Meza family and friends in my thoughts and prayers. God bless.
Courtney Sulak
July 19, 2017
Uncle Mundo - We will miss you.
Brian Weatherly
July 18, 2017
Ray I will always remember your brilliant smile and sincere welcome to each game. I am honored to have your light brighten my world. And yet another angel slides Home.
Jeanne Craig
July 18, 2017
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