Rafael Ferry-Torres, 85, of Hiawatha KS passed away Friday morning February 4, 2022.

He was born in Ponce`, Puerto Rico June 25, 1936 to Rafael Ferris and Juanita Torres.

Ray graduated high school and joined the Air National Guard of Puerto Rico, was honorably discharged Aug. 26, 1954 and joined the United States Air Force. Medicine was his calling. He worked at the hospitals at Forbes and McConnell AFB. He was deployed to Korea two different times. He retired as a Senior Master Sargent Aug. 31, 1975, serving 22 years and 10 months.

While still in the service he enrolled in Wichita State University’s Physician’s Assistant Program and graduated in 1976.

He moved to Horton and worked with Dr. Wood and Dr. Francisco and later in Hiawatha with Dr. Searight until he retired.

While stationed at Forbes AFB he met Thelma (Irene) Watts. In Oct. 1956 they were married and that union lasted 65 years.

Ray is survived by his wife Irene (Hiawatha), three children, Debbie Estes(Terry), Shidler, OK, Becky Colhour (Randy), Salina, KS and Michael, Hiawatha, two grandsons Daniel Stiner, Douglass, KS, Brian Stiner (Missy), Wichita, KS, seven great grandchildren, two brothers, Enio and Ivan, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law and a host of nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents and one granddaughter Mindy Oaks.

Funeral Services are planned for 11 am, Wednesday February 9, 2022 at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha, KS. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the services. Pastor Shane Spangler will officiate. Military honors a courtesy of Brown County Honor Guard.   There will be a private inurnment at Rose Hill Cemetery, Robinson, KS.

Memorial contributions can be made to Brown County Developmental Services (BCDS) in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home 124 S. 7th St. Hiawatha, KS 66434.

Online condolences may be sent to www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com

Funeral Services will be livestreamed through Chapel Oaks Funeral Home’s website.