Raymond L. McAfee

Raymond L. McAfee, 86, of Olathe, Kansas, passed away on November 30, 2024, at Olathe Hospice House. Ray was born on April 28, 1938 to Inez L. Denney (Wilson) in Omaha, NE. Ray worked for Hy-Vee grocery store for 30 + years as a Meat Department Manager, then in Customer Service prior to his retirement in 1999. He learned his craft of cutting meat in his hometown of Anita, Iowa, at Krasne’s grocery. Ray met the love of his life, Evelyn Jessen and they married on June 5th, 1960. They started their family with the birth of their first son, Kurtis in 1961 and Darrin shortly after in 1963. Eventually they landed in Algona, Iowa and raised their family in a house on a hill adding Darla in 1968. Prior to his retirement, Ray bought a motor home with plans to winter in Mesa, Arizona. Ray and Evelyn became snowbirds in 1999, meeting so many new friends across the country that they would travel to see in their home states throughout the years to come . In 2001, Ray and Evelyn sold their house in Algona and moved to Olathe, KS to be closer to their grandchildren. 

He was a member of the Kiwanis Club in Algona and served at Northfield Church of Christ in Fort Dodge, Iowa, for many years. He was also a member of Olathe Christian Church and their OWLS (Older Wiser Loving Seniors) Bible study. Ray enjoyed traveling and took his family on many summer vacations across the country frequently stopping along the way to soak up as much history as he could. He was a very serious collector of John F. Kennedy memorabilia, dedicating a room in their homes to President Kennedy. He would share his collection with anyone who showed any interest and tell you all he knew of this assassinated President. He was very proud of his collection. Ray was also a collector of neck ties, belt buckles, watches and just lots of stuff in general. He had a passion for a great bargain. These bargains weren’t necessarily items he needed, but just the idea of working the asking price down to a price he could brag about was the goal. Ray’s slogan was “I never paid full price for anything”. He also had a passion to meet people, talk to people and learn about who you are and where you came from. He genuinely loved people. Ray never met a stranger. Ray enjoyed a variety of music and would frequently break into a favorite song spontaneously and often would associate friends’ names to songs he knew receiving a giggle reaction, which made him happy. His goal was to spread joy and bring a smile to your face. Ray loved the Lord and set the example of what a true Christian would look like. Raymond is survived by his loving Wife, Evelyn, children, Kurtis, Darrin and Darla. Six Grandchildren, Dylan, Creighton, Justin, Shane, Shaun and Paige, Four Great Grandchildren, Four half sisters, cousins, neices and nephews, Brothers and Sisters-in-law. He is preceded in death by his Mother, Inez Denney, John Wilson, Merle McAfee and Max Denney. 

Visitation will be held at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home on December 12th from 6-8 pm; 14275 S. Blackbob Rd, Olathe, KS 66062. 

A Celebration of Life service will be held on December 13th, at Olathe Christian Church at 10 am; 1115 S. Ridgeview Rd. Olathe, KS 66062.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Olathe Christian Church REACH Donate Here