Richard Lazaro Reyes
December 17, 1946 ~ March 2, 2024
Richard L. Reyes died Saturday, March 2, 2024, in Wichita, KS, at the age of 77. Survived by his wife of 46 years, Kathy (Kyle) Reyes, daughter, Jamie Reyes and her husband Aaron Kalina (of Perham, MN), son, Ryan Reyes and his wife Jenna (of Overland Park, KS), and three grandchildren, Harper, Theodore, and Lachlan Kalina.
Richard was born December 17, 1946, to Felix and Lucy (Monares) Reyes in Newton, Kansas, the second of five children. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Vivian Reyes and survived by his sister, Sylvia (Benny) Sandoval, brother, Steve (Linda) Reyes, and sister, Delphine (Tim) Owens. Richard was a beloved uncle to dozens of nieces and nephews.
Richard was a Veteran of the United States Army, having served from 1966 to 1968, and spent his professional career in the aviation manufacturing industry in Wichita, KS. Inducted into the Newton Mexican-American Athletic Club (NMAAC) Hall of Fame in 2000, Richard ‘The Rat’ Reyes was legendary in the Annual Fastpitch Softball Tournament, displaying his talent at the shortstop and centerfield positions over the years.
Richard was an avid Kansas State University fan, where his children attended and graduated college, holding football season tickets and attending games with his wife, Kathy for over 20 years. A passionate sports fan, Richard amassed an impressive collection of baseball cards and sports memorabilia throughout his life.
Known as Abuelo to his three grandchildren, Harper (10), Theodore (8), and Lachlan (5), Richard enjoyed experiencing the children’s first K-State Football game with them last fall in Manhattan, Kansas.
A Rosary service will be held on Thursday, March 7, 2024, at 7:00 pm, and Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, March 8, 2024, at 10:00 am, both at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Wichita, KS. Richard will be laid to rest in Resurrection Cemetery following mass.
In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established with: St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School, 861 N. Socora, Wichita, KS 67212, and Kansas Humane Society 3313 N. Hillside, Wichita, KS 67219. Services in care of Downing & Lahey West Mortuary.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
I had the privilege to know Richard (and Kathy), when son, Ryan joined my family in marrying my granddaughter Jenna. We met many times over the years since, as he and Kathy came to KC to visit. I will always remember his big smile and the conversations we had. I will miss him!
God rest his soul!
Shirley Hoover
We had the blessing of knowing Richard and being connected as extended family. Richard was such a kind, gentle man. We loved our times with him when he and Kathy would visit Denver. We send our love and deepest sympathies to the family. Heaven must be rejoicing to have Richard Home. With love, Terri and Steve Driscoll
It was most appropriate that I first met Richard (and Kathy) almost 18 years ago at a K-State football game. I have many fond memories of Thanksgivings, Christmases, and Cinco de Reyes’ with them, but two stand out. In his later years, Richard had a harder time hearing and I am partially deaf. We used to intentionally sit next to each other at gatherings and have pretend conversations and laugh about it. We couldn’t hear others (or each other), so we found comfort together in making a joke about it.
My next favorite memories speak to Richard’s care for his family, both human and animal. He used to have squirrel friends in his backyard that he fed and took care of. Jenna, Ryan, and I always smiled and laughed thinking of Richard out back, tending to his squirrel friends. I think he even had a favorite. Lastly, when Fargo (Ryan and Jenna’s beloved lab) was injured, Richard came up to Kansas City not once, but twice to spend his days caring for that dog like it was his child. How one treats animals speaks volumes about their character and soul.
I choose to remember Richard in his ever present, purple K-State gear smiling, laughing, and having a good time. Or perhaps taking care of some squirrels.
Forever in our hearts, peaceful at last.
Lauren Hoover
Richard was one of the most organized persons I knew. His pride of work and ability to see the beauty in structure is still part of the stories I tell to this day. I learned so much from him and am saddened by this news. I truly enjoyed having him work for me.
Ryan and family my prayers are with you at this time.
Kate Keltz