Richard "Jerry" Raymond

Richard "Jerry" Raymond, Honor, Michigan, passed away surrounded by his family on February 19, 2018. Born in Highland Park, Michigan on July 14, 1928, he graduated from Michigan State Normal College (now Eastern Michigan University) in 1950 where he lettered in two sports - football and baseball. He later received his Masters degree from the University of Michigan and did post graduate work at Wayne State University. He had a diverse career as a coach, teacher and mentor, playing an integral role in the development of many young men and women over the years. As a coach at both the high school and college level, he excelled. At the high school level, he coached in Cass City Michigan and Highland Park, Michigan. At the college level, he progressed from various assistant coach positions, ultimately serving as head football coach at Eastern Michigan for the 1965 and 1966 seasons. He also coached basketball at Eastern Michigan, leading the freshman team to an undefeated season. In 1986, he was inducted into the E-Club Athletic Hall of Fame at Eastern Michigan University for both football and baseball, and is also a member of the Highland Park High School Hall of Fame. After coaching, he was the director of admissions and registrar at Highland Park Community College till his retirement in 1988, at which time he made his permanent home in Honor, MI on his beloved Platte Lake on the site of the former Highland Park Summer Camp; later splitting time between Honor and Fort Myers, Florida. In retirement, he continued to support Eastern Michigan athletics as a charter member of the EMU Dugout Club and EMU Football Bust Committee. Also, he was a member of the Frankfort (Michigan) Rotary, as well as the Michigan Sports Sages, while at the same time, volunteering as a starter at Crystal Mountain Golf Club. Through retirement he maintained a deep belief in the benefits of higher education, volunteering on various local committees supporting Northwest Michigan College. For adventure, he and his wife Mary Jo enjoyed traveling, with visits to locations including China, Australia and New Zealand, and multiple trips to Europe. He raised his family in Redford Township and Plymouth, Michigan and also his beloved cottage on Platte Lake in Honor, MI. He is survived by his wife and partner of 66 years, Mary Jo (Bradley), five children: Brad (Marilyn), Laurie, Connie (Kim), Richard (Holly) and Christopher (Wendy). He is also survived by 11 grandchildren. He is remembered for his undying love for Mary Jo, unwavering dedication to his family, and for his passion, humor and integrity. He was preceded in death by his loving siblings; Marie, Charles, Patricia and Lawrence. Friends are welcome to visit with Jerry’s family on Friday, March 9, 2018 starting at 6:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. Rosary at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church, 11411 S. Lacore Rd., Empire, Michigan 49630. A Mass of Christian Burial honoring Jerry will take place at 11:00 a.m., with visiting one hour prior, on Saturday, March 10, 2018 at St. Philp Neri Catholic Church. Rev. Fr. Tony Cureton will officiate. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial donation to Hospice of Michigan, 10850 E. Traverse Hwy, Traverse City, MI 49684 and the Alzheimer's Association, 921 W. Eleventh St. Suite 1W, Traverse City, MI 49684. Please feel free to share you thoughts and memories with Jerry’s family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Richard "Jerry" Raymond

July 14, 1928 - February 19, 2018