Albert Raya, 83, died on July 13, 2020 at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center in Hutchinson, KS. He was born May 23, 1937, in Hutchinson, KS, to Francisco and Luz (Castor) Raya.
Albert enlisted in the United States Army on June 1, 1955 and was honorably discharged on May 16, 1958. After being discharged he spent another eight years in the Army Reserve. On April 12, 1962 he married Olivian Monares. They later divorced. He later met his longtime friend Rosmary Davalos. He was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.
Albert was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Frank Raya.
Survivors include his friend Rosemary Davalos; four sons, Adrian (Machelle) Raya, Everett Raya, David (Rebecca) Raya and Luke Raya; three sisters, Josephine Raya, Margaret Tafolla and Mary Soto; four brothers, Joe Raya, Richard Raya, Johnny Raya, and Gilbert Raya; 12 grandchildren, Justin, Josh and Steve Nickerson, Ryan Hamby, Rachel Franco, Erika and Ashlynn Raya, Tyler Kesterson, Alexia Raya, Alayna, Alexzander Raya and Noah Raigoza; eight great grandchildren, Maddie, Kendall, Ayden, Mason, Nathan, Caitlyn Nickerson, Noah Diehl, and Cayden Sheuerman; and one great- great grandchild, Easton Whetham.
Rosary will be 10 a.m. followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 24, 2020 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 612 S. Maple, South Hutchinson, with Fathers Charles Seiwert and Ned Blick officiating. Burial will follow at Fairlawn Cemetery, with military honors conducted by Fort Riley Honor Guard. Visitation will be 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. with family greeting guests from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 23, 2020 at Hutchinson Funeral Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial may be made to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church or Tunnel to Towers Foundation and can be sent in care of Hutchinson Funeral Chapel, 300 E. 30th Ave., Hutchinson, KS 67502.