[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 18 (Tuesday, January 28, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E95]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING RAYMOND LERMA

                                  _____
                                 

                              HON. TJ COX

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 28, 2020

  Mr. COX of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of 
Raymond Lerma, a beloved husband, father, and leader in the community 
of Corcoran, California. Ray passed away on January 11th. Among his 
many honored roles in life, Ray served 25 years as Mayor and 
Councilmember in Corcoran and was a pillar of the community.
  Ray was born in El Paso, Texas and raised in Corcoran in a large and 
loving family that worked hard, long days in the fields of the Central 
Valley. Encouraged by his parents to reach for higher education, Mr. 
Lerma graduated from UC Berkeley--he was a proud CAL Bear.
  After college, Ray returned to the community that raised him to build 
his own family with his beloved wife Lola. He touched countless lives 
in his 38 years as an educator at Corcoran High School. He also kept 
changing lives after retirement, teaching English as a second language 
to adult learners. Ray also served as a longtime board member of the 
Kings Community Action Organization, which helps bring resources to the 
Central Valley.
  Ray once said that he wanted to be remembered as someone who made a 
difference in his community. I stand before you today to say we will 
always remember his dedication and contributions to the community, and 
we will miss his leadership.
  Raymond Lerma leaves behind his wife Lola, their three children, Eva, 
Ramon, and Pablo, as well as his grandchildren.

                          ____________________