Raymond C. Charette
June 7, 1934 ~ June 22, 2011
Born the 7th of June, 1934 in Leominister, MA., Maj. Charette leaves his loving wife, Donna of 42 years and children Derek of Converse, TX, Lisa and husband, Kris Merrifield of Converse, TX; Destin and wife Nicole of Monroe, N.C. and grandson, Oliver Ray Merrifield. He served as a Navy corpsman, fleet Marine medic, Air Force Sergeant and retired in the Army Nurse Corps. He was part of the 12th Evac. Hospital in Cu Chi, Viet Nam in 1966-1967. After tours in Alaska, California, Florida, Missouri, Viet Nam, Pennsylvania, Germany and Texas, he retired in 1979 and has since resided in Universal City, TX. His psychiatric nursing skills were used at the San Antonio State Hospital, the Nix Medical Center, Audie Murphy Veteran's Hospital and others. He especially loved volunteering in the BAMC emergency room and the Ft. Sam Houston Refill Pharmacy and was devoted to Christ The King Lutheran Church and he loved to sing in the choir. Maj. Charette graduated from St. Bernard High School in Fitchburg, MA., US Army Nurse Corps Career course, Ft. Sam Houston, TX., San Antonio College and attended Southwest Texas University in San Marcos, TX. He wrote the music and lyrics of the Massachusetts Student Nurse Assoc. as well as poetry, and artists of many mediums. His cremains will be interred at Fort Sam Houston, Friday, July 1, 2011 at 10:45A.M. and a memorial service will be held at Christ The King Lutheran Church, 1129 Pat Booker Rd., Universal City, TX on Saturday, July 2, 2011 at 11:00 A.M. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Homes for the Homeless, 138 Sage, Universal City, TX 78148 or Christ The King Lutheran Church, designating the choir, 1129 Pat Booker Rd., Universal City, TX 78148. "Life has been a work of art and poetic adventure...; I now lay down my paints and jeans."To leave a note for the family, go to meadowlawn.net and select Obituaries. Arrangements by Meadowlawn Crematory and American Mortuary.
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My thoughts are prayers are with you.
Ray’s bright smile and joyous nature will be missed. I am so glad I got to reconnect with him through the 12th Evac reunions. May your many special memories help to ease his loss. Love, Barb Dewey
What a beautiful testimony Mr. Charette’s life has been! I only had the privilege of meeting him once but I know that you, Lisa, were a source of pride for him. Praying for you and your family.
My brother Ray was a very special person who always made everyone smile and feel worthy. I will always cherish some wonderful memories of him . He played an important role in my life during my teenage years. Will always love you Ray. My sympathy to his loving wife and children and grandson.
The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26 Lisa, I wish I would have met your Dad but just from what you have shared with me and what I have now read about him I know your family is very proud of your Dad and as a citizen of this great country, USA, I admire his dedication to keep our country free and at the same time raise a wonder family. Sincerely, Carolyn Pollok
Our love and prayers are with you all during the trying time. We know Ray is in a better place, without pain or sorrow. (He and Dad are probably telling jokes right now…) He always had a smile on his face, and seemed so joyous and concerned for others. We will miss him! We love you all, and will continue to lift you up in prayer. Love, Sheila & Richard Chaplin
Donna & Family: You have my sincere condolences. I am sad to know that Ray is no longer with you. I am happy that he is in heaven and no longer living in pain. Blessings to you now and in the future.
Dear Charette Family: Please accept my deepest sympathies on the loss of your beloved. There are never any right words to express how deeply sad I am for the pain your family is enduring at this difficult time. As Chair of the Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs and Military Installations, I am sincerely thankful for his valiant service in defense of our rights and freedom. His commitment to family, friends, our community, and to serving our great nation leaves a wonderful legacy. May the love and the wonderful memories you shared with him help you when you need it most. He will never be forgotten, and your family will be remembered in my prayers.
For several years, Ray, myself, and a number other “irregulars”– mostly retired veterans– gathered, weekly, in Ray’s very nicely converted garage. Nickle/dime stakes poker was our game. Ray was always such a gracious host, serving beautiful & delicious spreads of snack and dessert items week-after-week. But Ray loved to play as well as be host. ALways an evening of laughs for everyone, and the stakes were so inconsequential that no one ever felt pinched…What good times Friend Ray was responsible for instilling with us all! He will be sorely missed.
Dear Donna, Destin ,Derek, Lisa and family. We are so sorry for your loss. Ray was a very special man to so many he will live forever in our hearts,you are in our thoughts and prayers,
Our condolences to Aunt Donna & family, Ray’s sisters & brothers, friends and all who got to share Uncle Ray’s humor,stories and love.