Dad is an Alumnus of St. Thomas High School in Houston, class of 1958, of which he was excited to have visited his classmates at their 50th class reunion this past year. He was a proud member of the Eagle's baseball team. His love for baseball guided him into an umpiring school in Florida, after which he traveled by train across the southwestern states umpiring minor league baseball. In February of 1962 he was drafted into the US Army and served time in Okinawa stationed at a "Hawk" missile base. He was decorated with a medal of Good Conduct and received an "Expert Rifleman" badge and was honorably discharged in January of 1968 as a Specialist 4th Class E4 (T). On November 6, 1966 he married Mom at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Hallettsville. After serving his country he joined the Houston Police Department and served the city for 28 years before his retirement. He made many lifelong friends during his service, many of which we as kids only knew by their last name; Shofner, Chenault, Stockton, and his riding partner and fishing buddy Herrmann.

In retirement he maintained a fulfilling life. He was an active umpire for the surrounding schools and secretary of the Tri-County Umpires Association. Also, he was a member of the Lavaca County Historical Society where he enjoyed researching historical activities and collecting items of significance pertaining to the county. He researched deeds and other documents to successfully obtain a historical marker for the original Wied School. Other interests included working for Ebert's catering, gardening, watching sports, and occasional visits to the casinos with Mom and Nick and Terri Nerren.

Raymond is survived by: his wife Augustine; 3 sons, Brian Kelnar & wife Sherrill of Cypress, Kevin Kelnar & wife Dawn of Kyle, and Mark Kelnar & wife Kathy of Buda; sister Jo Ann Lambert; Aunt Rose Kahanek of Fredericksburg; 5 grandchildren, Sarah and Patrick Kelnar, Megan and Karson Kelnar, and Ian Kelnar; brother-in-laws, Ludy Janak & wife Diane of Hallettsville, Pat Janak & wife Monika of Victoria, Nor Janak & Maggie Boehm of Hallettsville, Ed Janak & wife Frances of Houston, and Ben Janak & wife Linda of Victoria; and sister-in-laws, Mary Jo Veit of Shiner, Terri Nerren & husband Nick of Jersey Village, and Rose Knox & husband Bob of California.

Raymond was preceded in death by: his parents; brother-in-laws, Lawrence Veit and Julius Janak

Service: 2 pm, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009, at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Visitation: 1 pm, Tuesday, at Kubena Funeral Home. Rosary: 7 pm, Tuesday Kubena Funeral Home. Pallbearers: Brian Kelnar, Kevin Kelnar, Mark Kelnar, Andy Haas, Steve Lambert, and Drew Haas. Honorary Pallbearers: Tri-County Umpires. Burial: St. Ludmila Catholic Cemetery near Wied, Texas. Officiate: Rev. John Peters. Memorials: Lavaca County Historical Commission or Friench Simpson Memorial Library in Hallettsville.