Raymond Valigura

Ray M. Valigura, 94, was peacefully called to his eternal home Sat., January 13, 2018. Visitation will be Thurs., Jan 18 from 5:00-7:00 pm at Strickland Funeral Home in Caldwell with services at 11:00 am Fri., Jan. 19, also at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Masonic Cemetery

(The following was written by Ray himself)
Ray was born in western Burleson County on April 28, 1923. His parents were Paul F. and Vincia (Jurica) Valigura. He was baptized in St. Joseph Catholic Church in 1923, also confirmed in St. Mary's Catholic Church in Caldwell. He attended schools in Burleson County through the 10th grade.

Ray worked on the family farm until his was inducted into military service in 1942. He served with the 86th (Black Hawk) Infantry Division during his duty. He was discharged after 42 months of service with 19 months spent overseas and in combat. He fought in France, Belgium, Germany, Austria, and in the Philippine Islands of the Pacific. He was awarded the following commendations: Good Conduct Medal, American Theater of Operations Ribbon, Pacific Theater Ribbon, 1 Bronze Star, 3 Gold Bars, and Combat Infantry Badge with oak leaf cluster. He was honorably discharged in 1946 with the rank of Technical Sergeant. He served with General Patton's 3rd Army while in Europe.

He returned to Caldwell where he was employed with the Pepsi-Cola Bottling Plant. He was married to Jeanette L. Ripple on August 3, 1947. He later worked at Western Auto Assoc. Store. He was also self-employed for several years operating a Repair Center. In 1970, he began working for the Physical Plant at Texas A&M University as an Air-Conditioning Mechanic. Ray retired with 21 years of service (combined with military duty) in September of 1985.

Ray became a member of the Caldwell Brethren Church in 1968 and served on the Board of Elders for a number of years. He also served as Sunday School Superintendent and taught a class for many years. He loved his Lord, the comfort of his home, and family. He was always devoted to his precious and loving wife Jean, daughter and son-in-law Debby and Les Swick, and especially his grandsons Brian and Matthew.

Besides enjoying the comforts of his home and family, he loved sports, fishing, golf, playing games with his grandsons, and a great love for Aggie football and baseball. He was associated with many of the athletic personnel and athletics while at Texas A&M. He was a life-time member of the Veterans of Foreign War of Port 4458 of Caldwell where he served as Chaplain. He was preceded in death by his wife Jean, his parents, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, 5 brothers and 5 sisters.

Ray is survived by his daughter Debby and husband Les Swick of College Station, grandsons Matthew Swick of College Station, Brian Swick and wife Julie of Asheville, NC and three great grandsons Colt, Knox, and Canon who lovingly call him Grandpa Ray.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Hospice Brazos Valley or Caldwell Brethren Church.

The family expresses a tremendous thanks to the following health and care angels for their compassionate care: Garth Morgan, Clint Cheng, Kennon Wigley, Derek Kuhl, Cheryl Foster, Glenda Jackson, Bella Gamboa, Bonnie Driggers, Carriage Inn, Watercrest, Healthquest Home Health and Hospice Brazos Valley in Patient. We will forever be grateful.

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