Raymond Walter Bartosch

Raymond Walter Bartosch passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with lung cancer, on Friday, December 13, 2013, at the age of 79. He was born in Orange Grove, Texas on December 4, 1934. Raymond grew up and graduated from Orange Grove. He served his country in the United States Army and was stationed in France. After returning from the service in 1957, he married Carolyn Ann Simnacher on September 1, 1958. They settled down in Orange Grove where Raymond worked for his father at the family business, Bartosch Auto Service. Raymond purchased the Automotive Repair Business from his father and eventually formed “Bartosch Wrecker Service”. Raymond owned and operated the business until retirement in 1997. He was an active member of the Orange Grove Volunteer Fire Department for 55 years. Raymond served as the Fire Marshal for many years. He was diligent in keeping the fire department and Halo flight pad maintained and was an asset that will truly be missed. After retiring, Raymond worked part time for the city of Orange Grove to perform maintenance on the fire trucks and city vehicles. Raymond was also an active member of the Knights of Columbus at St. John of the Cross Catholic Church. He served as Grand Knight for the organization for two years. He also volunteered his time for the maintenance duties on the church grounds for St. John of the Cross. Raymond is preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Mary Bartosch and one grandchild, Amy Beth Syamken. He leaves behind his wife of 55 years, Carolyn; A daughter, Shirley (Sammy) Syamken of George West, Texas. Two sons, Michael (Sharon) Bartosch & Darryl (Becky) Bartosch, both of Orange Grove. Seven Grandchildren, Mandy (Buster) Syma of Portland, Texas; Dustin (Jennie) Syamken of Odem, Texas; Brandon Bartosch of College Station, Texas; Nathan Bartosch of League City, Texas; Bethany (Travis) Wanoreck of Corpus Christi, Texas; Brianna Bartosch of Kingsville, Texas; & Step Grandchildren, Jenna Baker, Jessica Baker & Jeremy Baker all of Orange Grove, Texas. Four Great Grandchildren, Taylor & Carrie Beth Clark of Portland, Texas; Cooper Syamken of Odem, Texas; & Wyatt Wanoreck of Corpus Christi, Texas; one sister, Martha Graves of Lafayette, Louisiana; A rosary will be conducted at Dobie Funeral Home in Mathis, Texas, on Sunday, December 15th at 7:00 p.m. with family receiving visitors from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Monday, December 16th, at 10:00 a.m. at St. John of the Cross Catholic Church in Orange Grove, Texas with Father Prince officiating. Burial will follow at Orange Grove Cemetery. The family would like to thank Dr. Thompkins and the nurses at Tri Sun River Ridge for their kindness to Raymond for the nine months he was in their care and a special thank you to Maria and her staff at Blessed Trinity Home where he spent his final days. A Special, Special “thank you” to Girling Lighthouse, Lori Schaffer, Raymond’s hospice nurse and Bethany, (his granddaughter), who were by his side to the very end. Their compassion to Raymond gave the family much comfort. In lieu of flowers, Raymond’s wishes were to have donations made to the Orange Grove Volunteer Fire Department.