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After a short battle, with lung cancer, Raymond Edward Winans, of Somerset, TX was welcomed into Gods arms on Tuesday, July 11, 2006 at the age of 83. Preceding him in death was his wife of 29 years, Peggy Ross Winans, whom he adored and so loved. His sister and brother-in-law, Janie and Preston McBee, also precedes him. Raymond was born in 1923 to Jacob and Mary Winans on the family farm. His parents were both from pioneering families that made their way to Atascosa County. He was told that as he was being born, the number 1 steam drilling rig was running right outside the house. In early times the family attended the Old Rock Baptist Church. Raymond was baptized in the Medina River at Garzas Crossing. He attended high school in Somerset and graduated from Somerset High School in 1941. In 1944 he joined the Army only to be discharged in 1945 after being wounded in Germany, from which he received the distinguished Purple Heart. He returned home to work in the oilfields until he landed a job at Kelly Field as an aircraft mechanic on R-2000 engines and eventually worked his way up to contract management. In the early 60s, through a mutual friend, he met his future wife, Peggy. After a lengthy courtship he finally convinced mom that he was the one and they married in 1970. Together they built their home in Somerset and continued to work at Kelly Field. Ray retired in 1984 Contract Management, Bldg 171 and shortly after, Mom did also. They remained in Somerset where he raised his cattle and farmed his land. She later opened her own craft shop in town. In their retirement years together they enjoyed being involved in many community projects. He said that mom was always volunteering his services. We enjoyed his stories of his days growing up and life on the farm. He would always remind us of how thankful he was for being blessed with such a good life. And we loved the fact that he always referred to us as his kids. Ray believed in the Lord with all his heart and welcomed the journey for which he would embark on. He was a life long member of the Somerset Baptist Church. He is survived by his daughter, Becky Akers Reed, San Antonio and son, Mike Ross Donna, Spring Branch; brother, Andrew Winans, Somerset; grandchildren, Charlie and Shelley Ross, Misti and Dave Warnasch, Frank and Jackie Akers, May Akers, Jonathan and Natalie Jones, Joe and Angela Jones; 15 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and a host of family and friends.

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Raymond Edward Winans

June 4, 1923 - July 11, 2006