Lionel Louis Ramos

Lionel Louis Ramos

10-13-1924-2/15/2022

Our loving Dad passed away peacefully in his sleep at High Desert Memory Care in Ridgecrest, California.  He had a wonderful life of 97 years.  Dad passed knowing he was very much loved by family and friends around the world; from Brazil to New Zealand and across the United States.  He was ready to re-join his wife, Marian in heaven.

Lionel loved reading, debate, travel, thoughtful conversation and spending time with his kids and grandkids. Lionel will be remembered for his devotion to his wife, his love of family, martinis, as well as his one-of-a-kind sense of humor.

Lionel was also an avid golfer and had a membership at the Bakersfield Country Club for many years; golfing every Wednesday and Saturday faithfully. He played many of the world's famous golf courses, including St. Andrews in Scotland. Most of all, he enjoyed teaching the game he loved so much to his children and grandchildren. Sometimes he even let them win.

Lionel graduated from East Bakersfield High School where he found his love of education, debate and reading.   Five years ago, he attended his 75 ^th High School Reunion where he saw some of his old friends.

On September 3, 1942 Lionel enlisted to serve his country. He was only 17 years old.  He was a WWII Veteran who wore both the Navy and Marine uniforms. His role was as a Hospital Corpsman. He served his country in battles on Iwo Jima, Saipan and Tiananmen islands.  He enlisted in the Navy and later was sent to support the Marines. His unit of service was Company D, 4 ^th Medical Battalion, 4 ^th Marine Division.

After the war, he married the love of his life Marian Jean Rademacher on April 1, 1948.  They met at China Lake Naval Station, China Lake (Ridgecrest), California but lived their married life in Bakersfield, California. They were avid members of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church.  Their children attended the parish elementary school as well as Garces High School and Bakersfield High School.

Lionel also returned to the classroom after his service, earning his Bachelor's Degree from the University of California, Berkeley and attending one year of law school at UC Hastings College of the Law before their family began to grow.

Lionel founded and operated his own independent insurance claims office, the Lionel L Ramos Insurance Company in Bakersfield, California. Later the business included an office in San Luis Obispo, California as well.  When he retired after 50 years he turned the business over to his oldest son, Larry Ramos.

Marian and Lionel spent their retirement years in Arroyo Grande, California until Marian's passing December 2012.  They were married 66 years.  After Marian died Lionel moved to Ridgecrest, California to be closer to his youngest daughter, Joan and that is where his journey in life ended.

Lionel enjoyed traveling with Marian; exploring the United Kingdom, Europe, Mexico, Brazil, New Zealand, Australia and China, just to name a few of their trip destinations. They loved their adventures.

Dad's proudest achievement and greatest joy came from his 6 children, 14 Grandchildren and 12 Great Grandchildren.  He especially loved the lively conversations when they all came to visit.

Lionel is preceded in death by his lovely wife Marian Ramos.

He is survived by his 6 children:

Julie Croft (Rick), Jackie Huetter (MJ), Larry Ramos (Beach), Janie Jolley (Chris), John Ramos, (Ann) Joan Shillings (John). His family also included Christina Neme Simone, a high school foreign exchange student from Brazil who came to stay in Lionel and Marian's home in 1972 when the couple's own children were high-school-aged and became part of the family ever after.

Also, 14 Grandchildren: Jessica Barrera-Shillings, Joel Shillings, Lucinda Croft, Carter Croft, John Huetter, Tony Huetter, Lisa Heard, Stephen Jolley, Ellie Ramos, Jolie Ramos, Heather Ramos-Maynard, Lonnie Ramos, Bryan Ramos, Holley Ramos and twelve Great Grandchildren.

Due to travel and COVID-19 the family will be arranging a Celebration of Life for Lionel at a TBD time.