Ray Allen Santin

In Loving Memory of Ray Allen Santin
Ray Allen Santin was taken to his Savior, Jesus Christ on May 20, 2025. He was born on November 21, 1971 in Stroud, Oklahoma to Karen June (McElroy) and Henry Ray Santin. Ray lived a life that was far from ordinary. From the very beginning, Ray had a passion for life, a spirit of adventure, and a heart full of determination. His journey took him from playing backyard sports with Uncle Duke to excelling in most sports he chose to play. He played football, baseball, and basketball at Davenport, OK. During the Summers, he would live with Aunt Lindall, Uncle Ronnie, and cousins Lisa and Brent in Mississippi where he would play baseball.
His mom, Karen married Rick Barezinsky on February 16, 1985 and Ray continued his love for sports in Tecumseh, OK and Eielson AFB, Alaska. Ray graduated from Davenport High School and played baseball and football at Sterling College, KS. No matter where life took him, Ray's ability to form lasting friendships and his relentless work ethic stood out. He was known not only for his athletic ability but also for his infectious personality, which drew people to him wherever he went.
In February 1995, Ray's life was changed forever when he was involved in a tragic car accident that left him paralyzed from the neck down. While this heartbreaking turn of events altered his physical world, it did nothing to diminish the strength of his spirit. His courage, grit, and unwavering will to live a full life in the face of adversity served as a beacon of hope to all who knew him. Ray lived the rest of his life in Scranton, Kansas.
Ray's journey as a quadriplegic was not one of limitations, but one of boundless love, perseverance, and triumph. Ray was always sharing his wisdom and strength with those around him including his siblings Tracy (Jason) Appelhanz, Amy Bridgeford and Rick Little, Alex (Casey) Barezinsky, and Katie (Craig) Barnes; along with his closest friends, Greg, Mitch, Ray, Judy, Bruce, Scott, Kenny, the Van Kirks, and so many others.
He continued to inspire and uplift his family, friends, and countless others, cheering them on from the sidelines. Whether it was through his unwavering love for the Oklahoma Sooners, his devotion to the Dallas Cowboys, his excitement for another fantasy football draft, or the way he lit up every room with his humor and joy. Ray was an eternal source of positivity and hope.
Ray's life was shaped by the deep relationships he built with his parents, siblings, nieces, nephews, and cousins. His family and friends were his foundation, and they were the ones who stood by him through every challenge. His connection with his loved ones was unshakable, and it was through these bonds that Ray lived his life to the fullest.
A special thank you is extended to the EMT's of Osage County, RCIL, his therapists, and the countless ER and ICU doctors and nurses who worked tirelessly to support Ray throughout his life. Their dedication ensured that Ray's spirit and strength could continue to shine; and for that, we are forever grateful.
Ray's final years were filled with love, laughter, and gratitude. He remained steadfast in his faith and in the words of Romans 8:18, which gave him comfort and perspective throughout his journey: "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared to the glory that is to be revealed to us." Ray is now resting in eternal peace, reunited with those who went before him, running beside them in the glory of eternal rest.
Ray Allen Santin will forever be remembered as a man who lived fully and loved deeply, a true inspiration to all who had the honor of knowing him. Rest high on your mountain, Ray. We will carry your spirit with us always.
There will be an informal celebration of life on May 30th at the Scranton Community Building from 4 PM to 8 PM. His Memorial Service will be on June 21st at 11:00 AM at the First Baptist Church in Davenport, OK
In lieu of flowers, please make a gift in his honor to "Saint Patrick (Scranton) New Building Fund" (309 S 6th Street, Osage City, KS) or your favorite charity.