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Ray A. Perez, 64, long time resident of Craig, passed away at St. Luke's Hospital on Aug. 8, 2006 after a brief battle with cancer. Ray was born June 27, 1942, in Durango to Joe and Tomasita Perez. He came to Craig in the late 1940s. Ray met and married Jo Eaton of Craig, in 1976.

He worked for Craig Ford and the city of Craig. He went to work for Empire Energy in 1977, retiring in 1992. Ray was a member of the Elks Club and UMWA, and enjoyed being a Ham Radio Operator, woodworking, playing pool and playing the guitar. He was greatly inspired by his children and grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Tomasita; father, Joe; and brother, Dave.

He is survived by his wife, Jo Eaton-Perez; his son, Chris Perez (Vivian) of Denver; his daughters, Lisa Perez of Denver, Jolene Walls (Steve), Melissa Johns (Jeff) and Josie Burch (Alvin Chadd), all of Craig; and his sister, Penny Beyers (Jack) of Lake Havasu, Ariz.

He enjoyed nine grandchildren, Jordan Perez of Denver and Steven Walls, Samuel Walls, David Decker, Travis Decker, Destin Johns, Krista Whisner (Otto), Cori Merrick (Sam Doolin) and Greg Merrick, all of Craig. He also had two great-grandchildren, Ashtyon Whisner and Raven Doolin, and many nieces and nephews.

Services for Ray were held at Grant Mortuary on Aug. 11, 2006, with Father Jose Saenz offering prayers for Ray, his family and friends. Songs included "You are My Sunshine," "Sentimental Journey" and "Train of Love," sung by John Allen, accompanied by organist Anne Carr. Pallbearers were Jack Beyers, Chris Perez, Ronnie Singleton, Steve Walls, Barry Miller, Otto Whisner, Jeff Johns and Kenny Burch. Honorary pallbearers were David Decker, Travis Decker and Greg Merrick.

Ray was laid to rest at Craig Cemetery.