RICHARD L. RAYMOND, SR.., affectionately called “G.P.” by family, passed away on January 27, 2017, surrounded by his devoted family, at Country House, Wilmington, DE where he had been a resident since 2003. Born in Colchester, IL in 1922, he was predeceased by his parents, Clarence and Ruth Raymond and brothers Eugene and Edgar L. Raymond. He received his B.S. and M.S. degrees in microbiology from the University of Illinois-Champaign in 1947 and 1951, respectively. His college studies were interrupted by service during World War II as a B-17 navigator in the Eighth Air Force, flying three missions on D-Day, and receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross after 35 missions. He returned to marry his college sweetheart, Lorraine Sammons Raymond, of Springfield, IL in 1943. They enjoyed 65 years of marriage until her death in 2008. In 2010, he married Helen Kolb Raymond, who survives him. Their courtship and marriage were featured in a local newspaper story. They shared a common love for music, nature, accomplishments of their talented grandchildren, and black coffee. He became a Phillies fan with Helen’s encouragement.
He moved to Wilmington in 1960 to work for Sun Oil Co. as a research microbiologist. During the 1970s, he developed the microbial and field techniques that are now universally known as the “Raymond Process” for the cleanup of groundwater contaminated with petroleum products. His 1974 patent provided the basis for the development of the bioremediation industry that is now a worldwide business and earned him recognition by the US EPA as the “grandfather of in-situ bioremediation.” In addition to authoring or co-authoring an additional 22 patents, he published a number of technical papers detailing his work on aerobic bioremediation of petroleum contaminated groundwater. In 1984, he founded the first in-situ bioremediation company in the US (Biosystems, Inc.). He was recognized with lifetime achievement awards by the Society of Industrial Microbiology, Brown and Caldwell Environmental Services, and the Association of Environmental and Health Science Foundation (Oct. 2016).
He was an active member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church, serving as a Scout Master for many years. He and Lorraine obtained their pilot licenses in 1977 and enjoyed flying their four- passenger Cessna at their retirement home in Pagosa Springs, CO. At County House, he was president of the resident association, volunteered in the gift shop, and was actively involved with the Spiritual Life Committee.
He is survived by sisters Betty Shelley and Lois Howlett of Illinois, children, Richard L. Raymond, Jr. and wife Mary of West Chester, Pa., Carole R. Edwards and husband Conley of Richmond, Va., Robert J. Raymond of Wilmington, Deborah A. Sams and husband Craig of Wilmington, and five grandchildren, John Raymond, Conley L. Edwards IV and wife Melissa, Dr. Laura R. Andersen and husband John, Michelle A. Raymond, and Kyle C. Sams, and great grandchildren Conley L. Edwards V, and Nash Raymond. Also surviving are step-son David Ellsworth and wife Charisse, and step-grandchildren Lauren, Jonathan and Mark Ellsworth of Chadds Ford, Pa.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Wesley Foundation, University of Illinois, 1203 W. Green Street, Urbana IL 61801 or Country House Health Center Fund, 4830 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, DE 19807.
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