Joe Arthur Raya, Sr., 79,  passed away peacefully Tuesday, August 25,2020 at Pleasant View Home in Inman,  Kansas.

Born October 22, 1940 in Hutchinson, Kansas, he was the son of Frank Raya, Sr., and Luz ( Castor) Raya.

Joe served his country as a proud member of the United States Army.  He was a Vietnam Veteran and a Paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division.  He was also in the 82nd Airborne Division.  He retired from Hawker  Beechcraft in Wichita, Kansas.

He was a longtime resident of Wichita, Kansas and was raised in Hutchinson, Kansas as a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.

Surviving family members include: his children, Joe Raya, Jr., and Kendra Raya; his sisters, Josephine Raya, Margaret Tafolla, and Mary Soto; his brothers, Richard Raya, Johnny Raya, and Gilbert Raya; his grandchildren, Daniel Raya and Briana Raya.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Frank Raya, Jr., and Albert Raya, and one son, Brian Raya.

His life granted him former wives, Carolyn Garcia, and Angelina Ornelas.

A graveside celebration of life with military honors will be held Wednesday, September 2, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at Fairlawn Burial Park, 2401 Carey Boulevard, Hutchinson, Kansas.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Pleasant View Home in Inman, Kansas in Joe's honor to help a veteran resident, and left in care of Old Mission-Heritage Funeral Home, 528 North Main Street, Hutchinson, Kansas 67501