Edward J. (Ed) Ramaekers, 83, of Nazareth passed away Tuesday, May 17, 2011 in Amarillo. Edward was born August 5, 1927 in Nazareth, Texas to Henry Ramaekers and Dora Hoelting. He was raised in Nazareth and attended school there. He married Leola Kleman on September 1, 1953. Edward served in the Merchant Marines and the United States Army Field Artillery during the Korean War. He was very active in his community serving on several committees and boards; Church Building Committee; Parish and Finance Counsel; school Board Trustee; Knights of Columbus; Lions Club; Sugar Beet Board; Board of Directors for Hart Coop Gin; Senior Citizens of Nazareth; ACTS Member; Tuesday Morning Men's Group; he was also instrumental in building the current Community Hall in Nazareth; he was lead guitar for the "Melody Six" and was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church and choir member. He is survived by his wife Leola Ramaekers of Nazareth; four sons Glenn Ramaekers of Hart; Rex Ramaekers and his wife Vera of Nazareth; Larry Ramaekers and his wife Tammy and Brian Ramaekers and his wife Peggy all of Canyon. Six daughters Mary Beth Gerber and her husband Joel of Nazareth; Naomi Valdez and her husband Joe of Del Rio; Doretta Gerber and her husband Kenny of Pampa; Vera Huseman and her husband Derwin of Nazareth, Renee Weinheimer and her husband Nick of Groom and Marla Gales and husband Shawn of Canyon. One sister Betty Wilhelm of Nazareth and six half-brothers and sisters Ralph Albracht of Nazareth; Elmer and Art Albracht of Houston; Elaine Sullivan of Farmers Branch; Jean Kennevan of Cincinnati, Ohio and Dottie Doherty of Chicago, Illinois. 37 Grandchildren and 23 Great Grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents; a brother Vincent Ramaekers, a daughter Baby Ramaekers and his step-father Florence Albracht. Memorials can be made to BSA Hospice, PO Box 950, Amarillo, Texas 79105; Holy Family Building Fund, PO Box 100, Nazareth, Texas 79063 or to Nazareth Senior Citizens, Nazareth, Texas 79063