Raymond A. “Ray” Martens
May 4, 1961 - March 19, 2023
Raymond A. “Ray” Martens, age 61, of New Castle, DE, left this earthly world and went to Heaven as he wished, in his own house, in his own bed and not in a hospital, on Sunday, March 19, 2023. He was with his mother, sister, and devoted brother-in-law.
Born and raised in New Castle, DE on May 4, 1961, he was a son of Ruth Ann (Betts) and the late David Martens. Ray was a graduate of the 1980 class of William Penn High School. He was severely injured in an explosion at his work place, the Ciba-Geigy Plant, in 1984 when he was 24 years old and it limited him in his activities later in his life.
Ray loved collecting old Ford Motors memorabilia and antique Ford trucks. He was a member of the Delaware Chapter of Antique Trucks and was the proud owner of a 1948 Ford Flatbed truck. Ray enjoyed watching wrestling, auto races, Discovery and History channels on TV. Even though he was in pain and disabled, he loved to tell people about Jesus and Salvation.
In addition to his father, Ray was preceded in death by his brother, David in 1971. He is survived by his mother, Ruth Ann Martens; sister, Diane Rauch; brother-in-law, Brian Rauch; and many cousins.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 11 am until 12 pm on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 North DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 12 pm. Interment will follow in Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 North DuPont Highway, New Castle, DE, where he will be buried with his father and brother.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ray’s memory to Shriner’s Hospital for Children, PO Box 947765, Atlanta, GA 30394 or online by clicking here or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online by clicking here.
Randy Roberts
Rest in peace Ray. Your long time suffering has ended and God has you in his arms. No more pain. Ms. Ruth and Diane, sorry for your loss. Ray is driving his own classic Ford flatbed in heaven for sure.
Linda Dacey
Thinking of Ray. What a good guy. He is pain free with his dad and brother! Hallelujah 🙌
MARIE SEEWALD
Ruth Ann, my heart is heavy for your Lost. God has called Raymond home in his loving embrace. Raymond looked up with a smile on his face as he knew God so well. Raymond is now in his Glory with Our Lord Jesus Christ. He left his world of pain behind him to a place in Heaven with no more pain, left it all behind here for those Pearly Gates with Jesus to welcome him. Wish others knew God as your son has. May you find comfort knowing he is safely at Home Now with Jesus & his love ones. I know this has to be so hard on you, God and your faith will guide you through all these rough times ahead of you. I hope you find comfort knowing You did your best for Raymond and lots of prayers are sent to you. I will keep you in my prayers of my Rosary. Bless you and stay well. I think of you often. We had some good times on FB. Sincerely, Marie Seewald
Jannifa Heyward
Ruth Ann and Diane. We prayed for Ray over 30 years.. His Heavenly Father called him home. He did not want him to suffer anymore. Peace and comfort be with you all. Love!
Mark Martell
I’m so sorry to hear of Ray’s passing. I had not talked to Ray for decades after middle school, but was glad to reconnect with him on Facebook. Rest in Peace buddy….
Bill Boyle
Hopefully the heavenly highways “Fomoco Kid” Ray is driving on now are pot hole free, much smoother, and far, far less painful than the ones he was forced to navigate here on earth. He deserved a better trip through life. He was a good man, a friend, and will be missed by his fellow members of the Delaware Chapter-Antique Truck Club of America.
Jack Mansure
Ray and I reconnected a few years ago when I was living in New Castle. I drove my ’66 Galaxie 500 convertible over to his house and we, and his big cat, and our old Fords had a great visit! He was in the process of painstakingly refurbishing his ’48 F-3. A smile came to his face when I noticed he had swapped the original Flathead for a big block 460 engine! His back ailments were preventing him from working on his truck as much as he would have liked to, but he found the time and money whenever he could. Any antique vehicle owner will tell you it’s a labor of love, and Ray would wholeheartedly attest to that. I was so glad to see that he had finished it and was able to drive it around at his leisure. Rest in peace, my friend.
Helen Jarrett
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family today and forever. Love y’all, Helen Betts Jarrett
Patricia Moore
I’m sorry for your loss but knowing he is with God an no longer in pain is a gift. God Bless you and your family. He will give you strength