Raymond Paul DeRosear, 77, formerly of Primrose, Iowa, succumbed to rapid onset dementia at 7:38 a.m. Friday, October 3, 2025, at Living Center West in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
He was born on June 30, 1948, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa the eldest of three sons born to Verle Vincent and Edith “Jane” DeRosear. As a toddler, he and his parents relocated to the Farmington, Iowa area. He attended school in Farmington and graduated in 1966 from Harmony High School.
While still in high school, Raymond enlisted in the United States Army Reserves and was discharged in 1975. In 1968, he began studies at Iowa State University in Ames. It was there that he met his soulmate, Paula Joyce Davis on a blind date. They were married on May 30, 1970, in Ames and remained married for over fifty-five years. In 1971, the couple moved to Primrose, Iowa, in order for Ray to join his father in his electrical contracting business. He became a master electrician eventually taking over the business upon Verle’s retirement. A serious fall in 1987 forced him to close this chapter of his life. Not one to sit idle, Ray returned to college, eventually establishing a building construction business which he operated until the late 1990s. At that time he was hired by Southeastern Community College in Burlington, Iowa to develop and teach a building trades program. Ray loved working with his students and became friends with several over the years. In 2010 he retired from teaching to devote more time to hobbies and family.
He and Paula traveled extensively for many years with their campers. In 2019, they sold their acreage and became full time RVers for nearly six years until his health intervened.
Living to cherish his memory are his wife: Paula of Urbana, Iowa; daughters: Jennifer (Ricky) Clay, of Pottstown, Pennsylvania, Anne (Scott) Selberg of Urbana, Iowa; granddaughter: Olivia Limas; grandsons: Spenser Limas (Lyndsey Payden) Vincent Clay and Liam Clay; great granddaughter: Charlie Ray Limas. Also surviving are his brothers: Ronald (Linda) of Farmington, Jeff of Colfax, Wisconsin and several cousins and nieces.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents; son: Pyter James at birth and beloved granddaughter: Alyssa Delaney Limas.
His body has been entrusted to the crematory of Schmitz Funeral Home for cremation.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Living Center West for the loving care given to Raymond in the few months he was there.
A celebration of life will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, October 17, 2025, at the Pilot Grove Savings Bank Community Room in Donnellson, Iowa.
Memorials may be given to Alzheimers Association for research in ending this devastating condition.
Schmitz Funeral Home of Donnellson is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.