The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

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Laurence Ray Simar, Sr., age 87, passed away on Wednesday, March 6, 2019, at his home in Orange, Texas. He was born on January 3, 1932 in Orange, Texas to Ophelia Simar Strack and Sylvester C. (Squinn) Simar.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his twin brother, S. Roy Simar; and his sister, Peggy Rashall.

Ray is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Dolores Ulm Simar; his children, Ray Simar, Jr. and wife Karen of Richmond, Texas; Dennis Simar of Orange, Texas; Kenneth Simar and wife Peggy of Katy, Texas; and Angela Taggart and husband Murrey of Orange, Texas; his grandchildren, Jennifer Schwartz and husband Jason; Stephanie Krueger and husband Kyle; Patrick Taggart, Madison Taggart; and Sarah Simar; his great-grandchildren, Oliver Schwartz; Annabelle Krueger, Margaret Krueger, and David Krueger; his brother, Bill Simar; and sister, Sylvia Mires.

Ray graduated from St. Mary Catholic High School in Orange in 1949. His was the first graduating class of St. Mary’s.

Ray joined the United States Air Force during the Korean War and served his country for four years.

Returning from his service he volunteered his personal service as a coach for his alma mater, the St. Mary’s Hornets.

Ray went to work at Spencer Chemical, now Chevron Chemical, retiring November 29, 1992. Ray dearly loved his children and was very proud of them. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were his pride and joy.

He entered many marathons and thoroughly enjoyed running. Gardening also made him very happy.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Mary School Foundation in Orange, Texas or to Southeast Texas Hospice in Orange, Texas.

Our thanks to the dedicated, loving people of hospice.

A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Monday, March 11, 2019, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Orange, Texas. The Principal Celebrant will be Reverend Sinclair Oubre. Reverend John Ulm will be a Co-celebrant. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Sunday, March 10, 2019, with a scripture service at 7:00 p.m. at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.