Raymond Francis Patnaude, Sr.

Raymond Francis Patnaude, Sr., 100 years old, peacefully passed away on June 27, 2024 in his home surrounded by his family.

Raymond was born on August 9, 1923 in Fowler, IN to the late Meddie and Edna (Lord) Patnaude. On December 26, 1944, during a short leave from the Army, Raymond married the love his life Beulah (Biddle) Patnaude, who preceded him in death on December 15, 2012, they were happily married for 68 years. He is also preceded in death by his brother, Howard Patnaude; sister, Rose Marie Long; and grandchildren, Christiane and Bryan.

Left to cherish the memory of Raymond are his children, Raymond (Janice Towner) Patnaude, Jr., Paulette (George) Lukas, David (Ann Nowicki) Patnaude, Philip Patnaude, and Christopher (Pamela Ivers) Patnaude; 12 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren; and his sister-in-law, Marilyn Biddle.

Raymond honorably served his country in the United States Army during World War II. After his service, Ray and Beulah purchased McDonald Studio and had much success in the photography business for most of his life. Apart from his photography business, he was a devout Catholic and a parishioner of Holy Family Catholic Church. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Rotary Club, Elks Lodge, Professional Photographers of America, where he was the past president of the Indiana chapter, the Daguerre Club of Indiana, and the Toast Masters club. He earned many achievements in his life including the Paul Harris Fellow achievement award in the Rotary Club, the Master Photography award from PPA, the Saginaw of the Wabash award from the State of Indiana, which was presented from Governor Joe Kernan, a Congressional Record for his service and 100th birthday that was presented from Congressman Rudy Yakym, which will be held in the Congressional Library.

Visitation for Raymond will be from 5:00-9:00 pm Friday, July 5, 2024 at St. Joseph Funeral Home, 824 S. Mayflower Rd., South Bend with a Rosary to be prayed at 7:00 pm.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am Saturday, July 6, 2024 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 56405 Mayflower Rd., South Bend. Burial with military honors will immediately follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, South Bend.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in honor of Raymond Francis Patnaude, Sr. may be made to Holy Family Catholic Church, 56405 Mayflower Rd, South Bend, IN 46619.

Online condolences can be made at sjfh.net.

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