RAMON (Ray) ALFREDO PEREZ
1923 – 2008

Ramon (Ray) Alfredo Perez, 85, of Lemon Grove, California, died on Wednesday, December 24, 2008 in La Mesa, California.

Ramon was born in Brawley, California, to Elisa Orduno Perez and Simon Perez in 1923.

Ramon served his country in World War II as a solider in the Army and was stationed in Korea. He worked for 45 years as a miner and retired from Johns Manville after 37 years. He was a member of the American Legion Post 211 for 47 years. Ramon was a longtime club member of the Mexican Social Organization in Lompoc, a charter member of the American G. I. Forum of Lompoc, a member of the Club Hidalgo of San Diego, and a member of International Chemical Workers Union. He was a member of La Purisima Catholic Church. Ramon was also a Little League coach for both his sons' teams.

Ramon originally moved to Lompoc in 1936. After 37 years of working with Johns Manville, he retired and moved to San Diego in August 1990. There he enjoyed his retirement and time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. His happiest times of all were when all of his children and all of their families were together.

Ramon is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Camerina Ornelas. He is also survived by his four children and their families; daughter, Evelyn (Fred) Sankey of Lompoc, son, Ray (Gina) Perez of San Diego, son Leonard (Sally) Perez of Atascadero, daughter Laura (Kenny) Canche of San Diego, grandchildren Wentworth and Camerina Sankey of Lompoc, Hannah, Keisha, and Erika Perez of San Diego, Thomas and Jordann Perez of Atascadero, and Daniella and Gisele Canche of San Diego; and great grandchildren, Robert James and Reyna Isaac of Lompoc. Surviving siblings include brothers Henry and William (Arlene) Carlon and sister Nora Linde, all of Lompoc. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and godchildren. Ramon was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Connie Cota, Angelina Rosette, and Isabel Garcia.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, January 4, 2009, from 4 to 7 pm with a rosary at 6 pm in the chapel of Starbuck-Lind Mortuary. A funeral mass will be held at 10 am on Monday, January 5, 20009, at La Purisima Church with burial following at Lompoc Evergreen Cemetery.