Raymond G. Ayala

Raymond G. Ayala Sr., 87, of Topeka, died December 26, 2014, at his home. He was born on March 15, 1927, in Lillis, Kansas, the son of Eufemio and Maria (Gutierrez) Ayala. He was a Golden Gloves Boxer, Scout Master for Troop 38, a Cursillista, and enjoyed hunting and dancing. Raymond served in the United States Army during World War II in the 11th Airborne Division, 188th Paratrooper Infantry Regime, and in the Korean War in the 835th Engineer Aviation Battalion. Raymond married Camerina Arreguin on February 20, 1954, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. She survives. He is also survived by his children, Raymond (Tammi) Ayala, Jr., Michael Ayala, and Annette (Doug) Ayala-McElroy, all of Topeka, six grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a sister Nettie Ayala and a great-granddaughter Elise McElroy. Raymond will lie in state after 2:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m., with a parish rosary at 6:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Interment will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery with military honors. Memorial Contributions are suggested to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church or Grace Hospice, sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Avenue, Topeka, KS 66603. Fond memories and condolences may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.