Ray Navarro

1928 - 2024

Manuel G. Navarro "Ray," age 96, of Manhattan, passed away July 14, 2024, at the Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan.

Ray was born on February 10, 1928, in Manhattan, the son of Joseph and Maria Navarro. He attended schools in Manhattan and graduated from Manhattan High School with the class of 1946.

He served in the U.S. Army from 1950 until 1952 at Fort Riley. Ray later became a partner at the Cary Company in 1968 and then became the sole owner in 1973 until his retirement.

Ray was united in marriage to Marie Cole Gonzales at the Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Manhattan. They were later divorced. Ray and Marie remained good friends until she preceded him in death 2009.

In 2004 he was married to his wife Wanda. Ray joined the family and became a close part of the family right away with Wanda, and her children and their families. He was like a father and grandfather to the family. Wanda preceded Ray in death in 2013.

Ray was a member of the Catholic Church, attending Seven Dolors Catholic Church and St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Manhattan and attended St. Patrick's Catholic Church with Wanda and her family. He was a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus, the Elks Lodge, the American Legion, and the KSU Foundation Presidents Club.

Ray was an avid sports fan and always cheered on the KSU Wildcats in all sports. He supported the athletic department through the KSU Foundation for many years. He also enjoyed the KSU Marching Band when they performed. He was a proud supporter of the KSU Marching Wildcats, when they needed new uniforms and when Ray was in business he was asked to help with donating to the band. He proudly gave money for the costs of the uniforms. Ray was able to start the Navarro Band Scholarship, which helps students be in the band while at KSU. He enjoyed listening to big band music and going dancing, especially when he was younger. Ray never met a stranger and always wanted to get to know the people he met. He was an easy person to talk with and was a friend to many people.

Ray is survived by his stepchildren: Larry Stehr, Beth Glessner, Reyne Lehman (Ron), and Jolene Campbell (Eddie) and his many step-grandchildren and step great-grandchildren.

The family will greet friends from 6:00 until 7:00p.m. Monday July 22, 2024, at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home in Manhattan.

A Vigil Service with the Rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m. following the visitation at the funeral home on Monday July 22.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00a.m. Tuesday July 23, 2024, at the Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Manhattan, with Father Leo Blasi and Father Kerry Ninemire as Celebrants. Interment will follow in the Sunset Cemetery in Manhattan.

The family suggests memorial contributions in memory of Ray to the Seven Dolors Catholic Church or the St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Contributions may be sent in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.

Online condolences may be left for the family through the funeral home website at www.ymlfuneralhome.com