Raymond Mayer Obituary

Raymond "Ray" James Mayer, a long-time resident of Durango, Co, passed away on Sunday February 6, 2022 at his home.

Raymond was born on December 7, 1938 in Altadena, California to Arthur James and Francis Marie Mayer. He grew up in Duarte California next to the famous "Red Car" streetcar, which instilled a lifelong love of the railroad. On December 12, 1961, he was drafted into the US Army and stationed in Killeen, TX. He served as a Military Police Officer in the Korean War and was Honorably Discharged on December 11, 1963.

On May 19, 1962, he married the love of his life, LaVerna Marie Keough, with whom his shared eight children. Raymond graduated from Cal Poly Pomona with a degree in Horticulture. He joined the Orange County Sheriff Department, where he served on the Mounted Patrol Unit, Patrol and in the jails for 20 years. In 1982, he moved his family to La Plata County and joined the La Plata County Sheriff's Department, where he served for 15 years before his retirement. After his retirement, he continued his passion of serving his community by working with the Sheriff's Department and the Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad, where he played General Palmer. Playing General Palmer allowed him to live out his passion of history, especially his love of Silverton's history.

Raymond was a devoted family man and loved to spend time outside with his model garden railroad. He was an avid storyteller and was a devoted member of Saint Columba Catholic Church, where he served as a member of the Knights of Columbus. He will be deeply missed by family, friends and those that had the privilege of getting to know him.

Raymond is survived by wife of 60 years, LaVerna Marie Mayer; his children Pamela Kelso, Valerie (Deon) Masters, Kimberly Bangs, David Mayer, Raylene Mayer, and Jeanette Boyer; numerous grandchildren and great grandchild; and his brother, John (Kathy) Mayer.

He is proceeded in death by is parents Arthur and Francis Mayer; his sons Darren Mayer and Kent Mayer; and his brother Robert Mayer.

The funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, February 11, 2022 at St. Columba Catholic Church, followed by interment at Greenmount Cemetery. Father Kevin Novack will officiate. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the La Plata County Sheriff department for fallen officers and families, in honor of Raymond James Mayer.