When Raymond P. Calou was 24, he became one of the youngest captains in the United States Merchant Marine.

Death, too, came at an early age -- 39 -- after a heart attack last night at his home at 580 Wesley Ave. He died en route to Kaiser Hospital.

A graduate of Oakland High School, Mr. Calou had immediately begun training at the California Maritime Academy, graduating in 1941 as a third mate.

He won his first mate's papers in 1943 and his master's papers in 1945. He was given command of a Grace liner, operating out of San Pedro.

In 1946 he left the Merchant Marine service to join his family's Oakland Laundry, serving as corporation secretary.

He is survived by his wife, Jane; and three children, Diana, Richard and Steven, and his parents Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Calou of Oakland.

A Rosary will be said at 8 p.m. today at the Piedmont Memorial Chapel of the John Cox Mortuary at 4016 Howe St.

A Requiem Mass will be said at 9:15 a.m. tomorrow at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, followed by interment at Holy Sepulchre Mausoleum, Hayward.