Hector G. Rios
Dr. Hector G. Rios, 57, of Wichita, KS, passed away on May 3rd, 2025, in Arkansas.
He was born on August 11th, 1967, in El Paso, Texas, the son of Hector and Maria Rios.
Hector graduated from Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas and Southern California College of Optometry. Hector loved his job practicing for 31 years as an Optometrist in both Wichita and Colwich. He began running at a young age which was likely his favorite thing to do other than being with family. Hector was involved in church, enjoyed woodworking, hiking, kayaking, cycling, tending to his aquariums, music, and more than anything, watching his children run. He was a member of the Kansas Optometric Association and Aldersgate United Methodist Church.
On June 9th, 1990, he married Cynthia Colberg in Lyons, Kansas. She survives.
Other survivors include his three children, Madison of Los Angeles, Trey of Austin, Alexa of Wichita, his parents, Hector and Maria Rios, his brother, Miguel Rios, his sisters, Raquel Rios-Reed (Greg Reed) and Patty McGuire (Scott McGuire), and many in-laws, nephews and nieces, whom he loved very much. He is preceded in death by his sister, Rosa Rios and his father-in-law, Don Colberg.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Aldersgate United Methodist Church on Monday, May 19th, 2025, at 11:00 AM with a burial to follow at Resurrection Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 7901 West 21st Street, Wichita, KS 67205 or Southwestern College, Hector Rios Memorial Scholarship, 100 College Street, Winfield, KS 67156-2499.
As this is a celebration of life, and Hector loved color, we encourage attendees to wear what best captures Hector’s spirit.
Services in care of Downing & Lahey West Mortuary.
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I met Hector at Aldersgate in 2004. He was very welcoming and was great to chat with. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
I met Cynthia and Hector my first year teaching in Maize. They both served as friends and family away from home. Hector’s smile and friendliness will always be remembered by our family. After I had my son prematurely, he would often run by our house grab Hunter, try to make him giggle, give him some snuggles, and zip back on his running route. He definitely brought smiles in those challenging moments. He continued to bring smiles to our family with every eye appointment and weekend eye rescue for my kids. He had an incredible way of making them feel special. I will always be grateful for his care and kindness to our family.
Héctor was a true supporter of all the Maize South runners. He gave my kids unwavering encouragement, thoughtful advice, and often ran alongside them, leading by example. His dedication to his family was evident in everything he did. I will always remember his positive spirit and the way he inspired not only my children but so many others.
Thank you, Héctor, for leaving a lasting impression on all of our kids. I will treasure all your videos and photos from each cross country and track season.
Our deepest condolences to the Rios family.
— Shannon Wedge/Wedge Family
My husband and I met Hector at the Wichita Coral Show in 2024. He was huge part of the Wichita Saltwater Aquarium family. He will truly be missed.
Hector was my eye doctor and honestly he was the absolute best of humans. He was the sweetest guy he always talked about his kids and hobbies and really cared about his patients. I’m very sad to see such a bright light leave this Earth.
Dr. Rios was our family’s optometrist for two decades, starting before my husband and I married and had our now-teenage daughters. We live in Thailand, and he and his warm Colwich staff would welcome us back each summer for eye exams as if we had never left. Our hearts go out to Cynthia, Madison, Trey, and Alexa.
I was a patient of Dr Rios and there are not enough words to express what a kind, compassionate person he was! Always asking about our family and what we were up to! Never have I had a doctor like him and will truly miss him! My deepest condolences to his wife, children and family!
Dr. Rios, a man that always had a contagious smile and laughter, he was filled with kindness and generosity. He loved sharing stories of his wife and kids, His unwavering devotion to his wife and children was evident in every word he spoke. Dr. Rios’s warm and loving spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew him. May his wife, children, and family find solace and comfort in the prayers of those who cherish his memory.
I’ve know Hector since the late 1990’s. He was a customer of my business Goebel Liquor and looked forward to me texting him when a new beer from Fat Orange Cat Brewing arrived.
He was my eye doctor and I give him credit for saving my life on Labor Day Monday, September 2023! I was sipping on a cup of coffee watching the news when all of a sudden my vision changed. I was seeing double TV screens so I text Doc about my issue. He asked me to meet him at his office on Seneca in 20 minutes. I said I’d see him Tuesday morning since it was a holiday. He insisted. I couldn’t see so my wife drove. We checked my vision. He knew there was a problem and pulled out his blood pressure equipment. It registered 190/170. He didn’t want scare us but told us to go to St Theresa’s and they would be expecting me. They immediately brought me back and checked my blood pressure. It was now 240/190 and the attending is telling I’m having a stroke. I start arguing saying only 56 years old and I not on any medications. After a CTE, I’m in an ambulance headed to St Francis ICU. The put me on a special drip to keep my BP high to help flush out any blockage and avoid another stroke. I was told that I was only 1 out of 5 patients to walk out alive after my stroke of this magnitude. For Doc I am grateful to having him be a true friend and I will miss seeing him wearing his BOWTIE and talking about our families and beer.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Hector’s family. We have known Hector for over 25 years. He was more than our family eye doctor, as he became a dear friend. We would always visit about our kids and their activities, etc. Hector would even call or text us when one of our family members needed additional care. His wisdom, compassionate and caring attitude, and jolly nature will always be remembered!
The Witt family
Hector has been a vibrant and beloved player in our fantasy football league since 2003. We will miss his ever-present smile, his happy banter, his beautiful sense of humor, and his adventurous spirit.
I am sending love and comfort to you Cynthia, Trey, Alexa and family. May Hector’s spirit continue to inspire each of you. His positivity, bright smiles and signature bow tie made a lasting impact on countless lives and the Maize South Mavericks cross country teams. May his legacy live on through the countless hearts he touched.
Dr. Rios always had a smile on his face and it was contagious. He was very kind and fun loving. I loved his bow ties. He always talked about his family and their adventures and he took interest in my life, always asking about my children and my family. He will be missed by all. Rest in Peace Dr. Rios
Dr. Rios was a fun, engaging, and kind person. I bonded with him over cats and music when I had my office visit. He is very missed. My love to his family.
I knew Hector from high school. He was 2 years older & we met thru his younger brother Miguel. We talked frequently about Miguel & how he was doing. I will miss the connection we shared. He was a joy to watch run track in school. No one could keep up with him. He strived to be the best at everything with a smile on his face. God speed to heaven & continue being the angel you have always been. Rest easy my friend rest easy
Hector and his family come in to the place I work very often. I come in contact with many strangers daily and after they return multiple times they become friends. Hector and his sister have become friends and one thing I remember about hector is his infectious smile. The moment he walked thru the door. It will not be the same without him. I pray daily for his wife and children as well as his sister patty since she is one of my friends. Losing someone this way is always so hard to go thru, that poor family. Prayers.
You will be forever 💛 ❤️ 💙 💖 missed Dr. Rios. You took great care of my special needs son as recently as April 1st and that day in your office was full of laughter. That memory will be remembered forever. Love and prayers to your family, staff that worked with you, and your many patients,all of whom will miss you. Annie,Jared,and Liz
I was one of a kind patient to Dr Rios, I always insisted that I needed glasses when he would tell me that I didn’t need them, they would either be broken, lost, a missing eyeglass piece, missing a screw or something was always wrong with my pair of glasses that he always prescribed to me.
There is a lot I can say about Hector, he was an amazing athlete, dr. father, person and friend. If you ever came in contact with Hector, I promise he touched your life. I can personally say thanks you Hector for the friend you were and still are to me in my heart. I hope you are at peace, and you leave behind a tremendous legacy my friend. I just wish i could have ran with you 1 more time.
I remember Hector Rios to be a nice, caring OD from years ago. RIP and condolences to friends and family.
Thank you for the wonderful care you gave all the children that I brought to have their eyes checked for your being kind and friendly to each one and always smiled. Your bowties were really cool too.
RIP may God bless and comfort Dr. Rios’s family!
There are no words for the loss of Dr. Rios. He will be greatly missed in this community. He changed lives with his positive attitude and outlook on life.
We will miss Dr Rios dearly. There are not enough words to express how much he meant to us. We were his patients for over 20 years. We shared so many laughs and stories about our families. The Spanish-speaking community has lost a true treasure. His laughter was so contagious, no matter the reason for our visits, we came out laughing. Our condolences to the Rios family. RIP Dr Rios
My family and I are so devastated to learn of the passing of Dr. Rios. He has been my optometrist and friend since I was only 3 years old. He was truly a great doctor, friend, person. We will miss his smile, laugh, care, and presence. He was part of my life several times a year at eye appointments, but also around Wichita when we’d run into each other at the YMCA, Starbucks, or just seeing him running by our neighborhoods. His daughter ran at the same track meets I did, so he would often cheer for me on the other side of the chain link fence. He even snapped photos of me running at a road race so my family could have the memories. Dr. Rios will always be the best optometrist and will always be part of our lives. We miss you, Dr. Rios, and we are praying for his family as the pain we feel can’t even compare to what they are feeling. Thank you for all your care as our eye doctor and all your love as our friend. God bless you and your family. I hope to see you again in Heaven.
I am so sad to hear of such a great loss. I worked for him in Colwich for 3 years and I can say he wasn’t just a boss or my eye dr., but a friend. He has always been interested in my kids and grandkids and always asked about them when I’d see him for an appointment. I will never forget his sense of humor and his great smile and laugh. My deepest sympathy to all of his family. He will be greatly missed by so many. RIP Dr. Rios.
So sorry to hear about Dr. Rios. He was my optometrist for many years and I enjoyed his company. He was a very kind man.
You will be so missed Dr. Rios. Your patience with my daughter when she came to your office was amazing. She actually was just talking about your lollipop drawer the other day. You have left an impression to always be remembered. Your family will be in our in our thoughts.
Hector had been our optometrist since he took over for Dr. Dienst. When we would have an appointment it was like visiting a friend. Our hearts break for the entire family. He loved his wife and children and was so proud of you all. He will be irreplaceable as a doctor. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sincerely, Bob and Rhonda Eroh
Hector was a friend to all and it was a joy to know him. He was the nicest guy in high school and his kindness made an impact on all of us. He will be missed. Sending my heartfelt condolences to all who knew and loved him, especially his precious family.
Dr. Rios had been my optometrist for over 15 years and as many have said he was literally the best. Always kind, always remembered my kids names before they were even patients themselves, very knowledgeable and funny! I will miss hearing about his family I could tell he adored so much, sharing about mine to him, and talking about running!! I’ve been thinking and praying for family and all that we’re blessed to know him all week and will continue to do so!
It’s hard to describe Dr. Hector Rios’s impact on our family over the years. Having seen four generations of us, he has not only been our eye doctor but also a trusted friend and part of our lives. His expertise, care, and kindness have made every visit a positive experience. He will be deeply missed, and his legacy will surely live on in the memories we share. Thank you, Dr. Rios, for your years of dedication and service! Mona
Much love to the family. We were blessed to know Hector as a friend and our Doc. We will miss his smile and passion!
We were blessed to go on a few ski trips with Hector through our Martinie friends. He was a special person. So full of life and so loving. We are so sad for his family and send our sincere condolences.
Cynthia, Madison, Trey,and Alexa,
We grieve along with you. Our memories of Hector were because we sat next to your precious family for years at WSU basketball games. What a treat we had getting to know your beautiful family. As many have said, Hector was always interested in our lives, our family. He sincerely cared about those he knew. It was evident he adored his family and cheered them on in their endeavors. He was a picture of living life to the full extent with joy. We are praying for each of you for comfort as we know he will be deeply missed. We are so sorry.
Polly and Walter Berry
Cynthia, Secely and I are so sorry for your loss. I still can’t believe this has happened. What a great person Hector was. I will miss seeing him and our conversations at the Palmer family reunions. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. RIP my friend.
Dr. Rios was a wonderful, caring, person,he was a great Optometrist, he went above and beyond to make sure all of my Mom’s eye care needs were addressed, enjoy our talks. He made you feel like you were part of the family. He will truly be missed and loved by everyone who knew him. R.I.P Dr. Hector Rois.🙏
What a blessing Dr. Rios was to me. I credit him with saving much of my sight in my right eye. My heart aches for all of those who love him. Please know you are in my prayers. Janice Buselt
Dr. Rios was my family’s eye doctor for about 20 years. He was always a pleasure to visit with. There was never any awkward silence with him! And I really loved how caring he was. A great example of this, that really touched my heart, was how he treated my parents. My Dad was elderly and disabled to the point of being wheelchair-bound. He needed to go in every couple of weeks for some minor procedure, perhaps to get his eye pressures checked. Dr. Rios noticed how difficult it was to get my Dad out of the van and into the office for a 2-minute visit. So he told my Mom to just come in and let them know he was there and he would come out to the van and check him out. And that he did, for many visits. We all marveled at his willingness to take that extra step to accommodate them and make their lives a little bit easier. He will be greatly missed. Prayers for all of the family.
I have known Dr Rios as my eye Dr for 25years I was so glad I was still able to go to him. He was loved and will terribly be missed. Janet Matzek
I was saddened to learn of Hector’s passing. While I had not spoken to him in a few years, I fondly remember our time together at Southwestern. He was a great athlete and student and an even better friend. To Cynthia, Miguel and Hector’s children, family and friends, my deepest condolences on his passing.
Dr. Rios became our optometrist when Dr. Dienst retired. We enjoyed our appointments with Hector. He always took the time to catch up on our family members’ lives and fill us in on the activities of his family. It was easily understood how much he loved his children and wife. He was the perfect combination of professional care provider and friend! Our thoughts and prayers go out for his family and his employees. Heaven gained a GOOD MAN!
Going on yearly camping trips, playing washers, and most importantly eating pancakes made with Mountain Dew because we forgot the milk.
As has been mentioned Hector was always there for you. When I managed to get something in my eye while mowing.The day before me and my late Phyllis were set to leave for a 25th anniversary Alaska cruise. Deb got me right in and the doc got me taken care of no problem. Such a great person always curious about how your life was going and a truly good person. He was most assuredly one of the good ones. He will be missed.
When I think of Hector I can’t help but think of his ever present smile. No matter the circumstances or location. I didn’t know him well. I think we probably met at a school function when Madison and Stephanie were involved in something together. Also Cynthia and I had a connection from hometowns and our parents. I used to run into him at the Y and later at the WSU basketball games. Again-that smile every time and always a few words about our families. Sending my heartfelt condolences to Cynthia, Madison, Trey, and Alexa as well as their extended family. Connie Severe
I was fortunate enough to meet Hector in the first few week of optometry school. Over the next four years, we spent many hours studying, cycling, and running but mostly studying. Hector and I would be up until all hours studying at his apartment while Cynthia was trying to sleep. She never complained once. Hector was an amazing athlete. Another one of my lasting memories was when we did a duathalon together. The morning of the race, we were waiting to line up at the start when Hector said that he needed to do a warm up run before the event. I thought he would run around the parking lot and do some stretching. Instead, he ran a 5K before the event even started. I was amazed because I was going to be lucky to complete the race at all. My heartfelt prayers and condolences go out to Cynthia and all of Hector’s family. Hector was a great, true friend and colleague. It saddens me greatly that he is gone.
Jeff and Heather Lewis and family
In loving memory of Dr. Hector Rios
Doctor Rios was such a joyful person and his happiness was contagious. I am honored to have been a patient of his. He made the world a better place, and I will always remember his kind spirit and caring personality.
My name is Sherry Simon and I was a patient of Dr. Rios for about 30 years. He was a kind , caring and personable Dr. He was always honest with me about my eye care and was much appreciated. My heart goes out to his family. Prayers for them. He will be greatly missed.
Such a wonderful, kind , caring man. He will be greatly missed.
Truly an amazing Dr. and friend. He truly helped support our family through our grandsons cancer. He found the cancer on Christmas Eve 2014 and sent us to a fabulous specialist! Between Dr Rios, our church family and our extended family we seemed to pull thru all this. Sending many prayers to surround his family during this difficult time🙏
RIP Dr Rios…until we meet again😇🙏
The Jamis’
Dr. Rios (Hector to me), he was my classmate. There is some much I can say about him. He has always been a genuinely kind person every since I have known him. So many fond memories flood my mind. It was sad to hear about his passing. My condolences and prayers go out to his entire family. He will be missed.
So many connections and memories. Praying for you all during this time. Hector was so active and we will always remember his positive encouragement and leadership supporting all runners at MSHS CC!
In all my years of wearing glasses and contacts Dr. Rios was the first to actually help me clearly see! He was so patient, kind and helpful. I looked forward to my appointments to share our activities of our kids and my grandkids. I thought of him more as a family friend than just our eye Dr.
This is hard stuff but keep God in your heart and you will get through it. Love, April & Alan Barton
Dr. Rios provided excellent service for my eye care over many years, and I was able to fully trust any recommendations he gave me. On top of that, he was a very friendly and kind person. Saying prayers for his family. Teresa Wade
I knew Hector as a classmate and fellow athlete in Liberal. Even back then he was a good and great person. Always kind and compassionate to ever he met. My condolences to his family. Hector I have a feeling you are running with God.
Nuestras condolencias para toda la familia del Dr. Ríos incluyendo su esposa e hijos y su familia extensa el Dr. Ríos fue mi doctor por cerca de 24 años y también de mis tres hijos es doloroso saber su partida pero siempre recordaremos su corazón amable y su agradable sonrisa nuestras oraciones están con ustedes 🙏🏼
Atte. Fam.Velazquez-Gallegos
Our deepest condolences to La Familia Rios.
My deepest sympathies to the family. I was a patient of Dr. Rios. He always took good care of me, and we enjoyed visiting about health and fitness.
He was a great person and optometrist!! We shared in common graduating from Southwestern College! He always was a family man, we talked about his family, my family. He deeply cared for his patients and made sure all your concerns were answered and met. He will be deeply missed, no other optometrist will be able to replace him and how he was. Deepest condolences to his friends and family!