Gerald Arnold Raymond

1935 - 2025

Gerald Arnold Raymond

February 3, 1935 - January 25, 2025

OLMSTEDVILLE - Gerald Arnold Raymond 89, died unexpectedly Saturday January 25, 2025 at his home.

Born February 3, 1935 in the Town of Schroon he was the son of the late Donald James and Martha Gertrude (McAuley) Raymond. From an early age, he developed a love for Country music. Working as a teen, Caddying @ Schroon Lake Golf Course, he saved up enough to buy his first guitar, which he learned to play by ear. He enjoyed playing many jam sessions with family & friends from this point, throughout the rest of his life. Gerald joined the United States Air Force & served during the Korean War. While serving, he asked his buddy for a pen pal & ended up meeting the love of his life after exchanging pictures & discovering her love of cooking. Upon completion of his service, they were married & started a family.

Gerald worked for Frontier town in Schroon Lake/ North Hudson, in it's heyday. He got to live out his dream of being a cowboy while serving as everything from train robber to Indian. He then became the Caretaker for Balfour Lodge in Minerva & a few years later, assumed the Caretaker position for Hewitt Lake Club in Minerva. In time, he became an avid hunter, trapper & fisherman as well as a jack of all trades, building a house in his spare time, that was ready at his retirement.

Upon retirement, he took a course in small engine repair & enjoyed fixing machines for friends, family & neighbors. He joined a group of musical friends who played music @ Wevertown Hall & at many Nursing homes throughout Essex & Warren Counties. Gerald wrote several original songs which he pursued promoting in Nashville. He & his wife made several visits there, often stopping to see the Grand Ole Opry. He was a member of the American Legion and of the Minerva Baptist Church. "Gerry", as his friends called him, was a beloved guitar player and would play in the church most Sunday's, offering hymns as well as a few of his own original songs. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather.

Besides his parents, he is predeceased by his wife of 58 years Madeline (Howe) Raymond, 4 brothers Donald Raymond, Claude Raymond, Jerry-George Raymond, James Raymond, 3 sisters Muriel D'Hane, Katherine Smith, Lila Nocasta.

Survivors include one sister, Phyllis Jacobs of Pottersville, one daughter, Melodie (Jason Tyrel) Wood, two sons Daniel Raymond of Olmstedville, Gerald Andrew (Crystal) Raymond of Corinth, 4 grandchildren; Marilyn (Sean Chapman) Dunkley, Amanda (James Holland) Raymond, Brandon (Kayleigh) Raymond, Cameron Raymond & 6 great-grandchildren Adrianna, Phoebe, Gemma, Walker, Walker, Ryleigh.

Relatives and friends may call from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM Wednesday January 29, 2025 at Minerva Baptist Church, 15 Morse Memorial Highway, Minerva, NY 12851. Funeral services will follow at 1:00 PM with Pastor Paul Miller officiating.Memorials in Gerald's name may be made to Minerva Baptist c/o Mrs. Larry Lanphear 11 Stewart Rd Minerva, NY 12851.

Arrangements are entrusted to Barton-McDermott Funeral Home, Inc. 9 Pine St. Chestertown, NY 12817.