Raymond Charles Kalka

Raymond Charles Kalka, 72, passed peacefully on Thursday, May 2, 2024, in Amarillo, Texas.  Ray was born in Amarillo, on January 8, 1952 to Anna Marie and Carroll Kalka.  He was the oldest of 5 children.  

As a little boy Ray loved animals, especially horses. His love for horses started when he was young at his family’s riding stable in Red River, NM and Harbor Bay at Lake Meredith.  He grew up on a farm and ranch off the Fritch highway.  His Dad was a horse trader so there were always lots of horses around for him to ride.  His favorite horse was a paint named Shorty. 

After graduating from Caprock High School, where he ran track, Ray went to work for the Santa Fe Railway for 20 years. When his job moved out of town he went to work for the family store, Kitchen Gallery.  He then hired out as an Engineer for the Union Pacific Railway where he worked until he retired.

Ray married the love of his life, Melissa Juett, and they had three sons.  Ray was involved with each of them in coaching their soccer and baseball teams.  He volunteered at Wolflin Elementary School and won an award for the only Dad to volunteer every week.  He also served on the Excellence Council at Austin Middle School.

Ray’s hobbies included playing softball, hunting, fishing, and he especially loved watching the Price is Right every day.  Another joy was going to the casinos and Las Vegas for Super Bowl weekend.  He was a very kind hearted man and always willing to help other people.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law Dana Juett. Survivors include wife Melissa of the home, three sons, Cameron Kalka (Jennifer) of Austin, TX, Coleman Kalka, and Chase Kalka, (Alivia) of Amarillo.   He dearly loved his 5 grandchildren, Pace and Scout Kalka of Austin, and Cannon, Hayes and Banks Kalka of Amarillo, and they loved their “ChooChoo”.   Ray’s siblings include brother Doug Kalka (Cheryl), sister Mary Ann Blessen (Mike), brother Jeff Kalka (Becky) and sister Christi Canfield (Brian) and brother-in-law Andy Juett (Donna).  He was blessed with seven wonderful nephews and three nieces.  

A 1:00 p.m. memorial service to celebrate Ray’s life will be held at Boxwell Brothers Ivy Chapel, 2800 Paramount Blvd, on Tuesday, May 7th.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Gracie’s Project, 7617 Canyon Drive, Amarillo, TX 79110 in Ray’s memory or a charity of your choice.

The family will receive friends from 5 - 6 pm on Monday at the funeral home.