The Greatest Watchman

Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me". Ezekiel 3:17

The greatest watchman arrived on earth May 5, 1958, born to James Commander Sr and Roberta (Richardson) Commander. This watchman was named Raymond Clyde and was a special shoe box delivery to his grandmother Mary Lou Dean, who raised him alongside his siblings Gloria Jean, Sheila, James (JW) and baby sister Jamesetta (Chicken).  He would later be known to all as Uncle Raymond.

Uncle Raymond received his education through the Muskogee Public Schools and finished with the class of 1977. He was baptized and became a member of Deans Chapel Baptist Church where he remained a faithful member. The watchman accepted his calling of protecting at the age of 18 when he enlisted into the United States Army National Guard. He realized he was better protecting and serving from the home front.

Raymond was truly a jack of all trades. There was nothing he could not do, and if he didn't know how, he always knew someone who could. From a mechanic, electrician, plumber and chef to name a few, one of his greatest joys was being a daddy to his three daughters, DeAngela, Quinsonya and Sad'e. Raymond valued and absolutely loved his family, church family and friends. He was instrumental in getting the family together for reunions and hangouts.

The greatest watchman earned his God given title and lived by it. There was not a church service that Raymond attended that he did not serve. Rather it was morning service, a funeral, or program, Uncle Raymond could be found serving in some capacity whether asked or not. He did not wait for an invitation or approval to serve in a place of worship. But you would rarely find him sitting down anywhere for too long.  Raymond was very good at his job; he was recently selected to be the President of the Collate District Usher Ministry.  Raymond took pride in his service and did it with class and dignity.

Because Raymond had favor with the Lord, he was blessed with a loving wife, Catrena Michelle. On May 4, 2024, the two became one, combining their families, and serving the Lord together.

Health wise, Uncle Raymond did not look like what he had been through. And he never used his illness as an excuse not to serve because he always believed in God for his health and strength. Uncle Raymond made it very clear that when his heavenly father called him home, "he gotta go".

There to welcome him are his parents, his grandmother that raised him, Mary Lou Dean, two sisters, Gloria Jean, and Diantha Fort`e.

Here to carry on his legacy, his wife Catrena Michelle, 3 daughters, Quinsonya, DeAngela and Sad'e, 3 siblings, Sheila Washington, James (JW) and Jamesetta along with a caravan of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and the entire Deans Chapel Baptist Church family.

A Home Going Celebration is Scheduled, Friday, March 6, 2026, 11:00 a.m., Deans Chapel Baptist Church, 1119 S. Junction Street, Muskogee, OK; with his Pastor Sir Michael Ragsdale, delivering the eulogy.  Interment will follow in Booker T Washington Cemetery.

Visitation will be Thursday, March 5, 2026, 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m..  A Wake is scheduled from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. where family and friends can share their memories of "Uncle Raymond".

The family has been cared for by House of Winn-Muskogee