Raymond Navarro Cruz

Raymond Navarro Cruz was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and dear

friend. Raymond was born March 15th, 1940, to Alfonso and Agustina Lozano Cruz in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. At the age of 10, he came to the United States and lived in Corcoran, CA where he was raised by his Grandparents and uncles.

He graduated from Corcoran High School, where he enjoyed being a part of their marching band. In 1961, he enlisted in the Air Force and was stationed in Nebraska as a Ground Radio Operator. Later that year, he married the love of his life, Guadalupe Garcia Cruz. Together, they began their adventure of raising a family as their first son, Edward, was born in 1962. Raymond relocated his small family back to Corcoran where their daughter, Theresa was born in 1964. After the birth of their third and fourth children, Raymond Jr. in 1967, and Gary in 1970, they moved to Tulare, CA where they settled and raised their family. Raymond was a hard-working man that took pride in supporting his family. He worked while also attending college at College of the Sequoias in Visalia where he received his Associates degree in 1973. He then received his Bachelors’ degree from Fresno State. He built and maintained lasting relationships with colleagues in every work place, particularly with his former co-workers from Armstrong-Pirelli Tire where he worked for 30+ years. Those who knew Raymond knew he was a charmer. He was quick-witted and loved to look sharp, or as he would put it,

“bad-o bad-o”. He loved watching his 49ers and Giants play, having lunch and reminiscing with old friends, playing

dominoes, cards, and watching his family grow. Family came first with Raymond; there was nothing more precious to him than time together. He never missed a family gathering and you could count on him to bring his home cooked beans. He lovingly and compassionately took care of his wife in her final days until she passed away in 2019. After 57 years of marriage together, her passing left him heartbroken. Her loss increased his devotion to his Catholic faith as he continued her daily practices of prayer and faith in pursuit of finding her again in the afterlife. He was an active member of St. Rita's Catholic church where he volunteered as an usher for mass as well as other functions. He also found comfort in his late wife's furry companion Lily who he walked daily and spoiled often.

On January 31, 2023, he passed peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones. Raymond is preceded in death by his wife Guadalupe Garcia Cruz, parents Alfonso and Agustina Lozano Cruz, brother Rosalio Cruz and sister Lupe Cruz. He is survived by his sister Berta; his four children Edward Cruz of San Francisco, Terri Cruz of Tulare, Raymond Jr. (Ashlee, spouse) of Red Bluff and Gary (Gregory, spouse) of Oakland; his 11 grandchildren George, Jacob, Gabriel, Alyssa, Jackson, Marissa, Maya, Ezequiel, Hallie, Davonne and Lux and 7 great-grandchildren; Skye, April, Bryson, Christopher, Ezra, Aviana, and Thalia Lupe. Viewing will be held 2PM-5PM Thursday, March 2, 2023 at Sterling & Smith, 409 N. K Street, Tulare. Rosary will follow at 4PM. Mass will be held 10AM Friday, March 3, 2023 at St. Rita’s Catholic Church, 954 So. O St, Tulare. Burial will be at the North Cemetery, Tulare.