Reymond A. Banegas

Raymond A. Banegas joined the Lord in eternal life early in the morning on July 5th, 2024. He was 92 years old. Raymond was born on April 28th, 1932 to George and Angelita Banegas. He was the middle child of 11. Raymond grew up in San Ysidro, New Mexico where he learned to farm alongside his brothers and father. Following high school, Raymond pursued higher education at The New Mexico College of Agriculture and Mechanical Arts where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. After college, Raymond was drafted and served in the U.S. Army from March 1st, 1955 to February 27th, 1957. He then began his career at the New Mexico State Employment Office (which later became the Department of Labor). In 1960 he married his loving wife, Irene, and they started a beautiful family together. Raymond retired from state service in 1988. Once he entered retirement, Raymond enjoyed a beautiful life of travel. He enjoyed many hobbies and had many adventures camping, fishing, and taking cruises. Raymond prioritized health and fitness and exercised regularly. He was a skilled craftsman and woodworker. Self-taught, Raymond built beautiful tables and other furniture in his work shop. He built the addition of the den to his house, installed a deck, and completed countless other high-quality projects. Raymond created a vegetable garden in his backyard and delighted in the growth of his crops. Family was of utmost importance to Raymond. His children and granddaughter were his pride and joy. Throughout his life he maintained close relationships with his siblings. Raymond was a kind, generous, loving, hardworking, intelligent man. He had a great sense of humor. Raymond was always willing to lend a hand and gave benevolently without expecting anything in return. He will be deeply missed.

 Raymond is preceded in death by his loving wife, Irene, his mother, his father, and eight siblings. He is survived by his daughter, Mary Morales (Pete), son, Raymond D. Banegas (Betty), granddaughter, Stephanie Sanchez (Gerald), his sisters, Rosalie B. Maese and Angelita (Kelly) O'Rourke, and many nieces and nephews who will miss him dearly. The rosary service will take place at Getz Funeral Home on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 from 6pm - 7pm. The funeral mass will be held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Cathedral on Wednesday,  July 24, 2024 at 10AM followed by inurnment in the Columbarium.