Raymond DeLaGarza, Jr., of Vernon, Texas, went to be with the Lord on January 16, 2024.

Raymond was born on December 2, 1986, in Wichita Falls, Texas, to Esther Diaz and Raymond DeLaGarza, Sr. He grew up in Vernon, Texas, and graduated from Vernon High School in 2005.

He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls in 2017, and worked at the North Texas State Hospital in Vernon as a Rehabilitation Tech V. Recently, Raymond had gone back to school to become a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS).

Raymond married Kenna Plyler on September 1, 2018, in Thalia, Texas.

There was nothing more important in this world to Raymond than being a loving father to his son Jacob, a devoted husband to Kenna and spending time with his family.

Raymond, affectionately called "Ray" or "RayRay" by his loved ones, was best known for his gentle demeanor, fierce loyalty, and his ability to make anyone feel at ease in his presence. No one felt like a stranger around Raymond- from day one, he made you feel like he'd known you for years.

But perhaps Raymond's most memorable and inspiring traits were his meekness -kindness, courage and power under control- and his humility. In Matthew 5:5, Jesus blesses the meek and the humble, saying they will inherit the earth. The Hebrew word for humility means "taking up one's God-given space in the world." Raymond took up every bit of space God gave him. And he filled it with kindness, love, generosity, power, courage, and self-discipline. Raymond made everyone around him want to be better.

At ten years old, Raymond was diagnosed with a rare cancer that he would battle every day for the rest of his life. For 27 years, he underwent countless tests, surgeries, treatments and regimens. He never once complained. He never asked "why me?" Instead, Raymond was always looking for ways to comfort and care for others. He didn't recognize himself as needy, but as someone who could meet someone else's needs. Everyone loved Raymond.

If Matthew 5 were a resume, it would belong to Raymond. His meekness and humility inherited him God's promises. He hungered for righteousness, and he is now filled. He was merciful and God showed him mercy. He was a peacemaker with a pure heart, and now he is in the presence of God.

Raymond is survived by his wife Kenna DeLaGarza, of Vernon, his son Jacob DeLaGarza of Vernon, mother Esther Diaz of Vernon, father, Raymond DeLaGarza Sr., of Odessa, brothers, Philip DeLaGarza of Vernon, Carlos DeLaGarza of Vernon, Anthony DeLaGarza of City View, Matthew DeLaGarza of City View, sister Michelle DeLaGarza of Wichita Falls, grandparents Frank and Rosemary Diaz of Vernon, seven beloved nieces and nephews, and numerous cherished family members and friends. Raymond was preceded in death by his grandparents Adam and Tomasa DeLaGarza and great-grandmother Margie Leija.

Rosary will be held at 6:00 pm on Friday, January 19, 2024 followed by Visitation at 7:00 pm at Sullivan Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at the Sullivan Funeral Home Chapel at 10:00 am Saturday, January 20, 2024.

Memorials can be made to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center