Raymond Frank Perez

Raymond Frank Perez, 86, of Topeka, KS, passed away Wednesday Dec. 1, 2021, in the comfort of his own home with his family by his side.

He was born April 16, 1935, in Chicago, IL, the son of Francito and Maria De Jesus Armendarez Perez.

Raymond married Ramona Martinez on April 4, 1964, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. They celebrated 57 years of marriage. She survives. Other survivors include three daughters. Roxanne (Reyes) Perez Labrador, April Perez, and Audrey (Mark)Sarver along with five siblings, Peter Paul Perez, Richard Perez, Celso “Billy” Perez, Juanita Perez, and Esperanza Benthusen. Three grandsons: Logan Andrews, Reymond Giovanni Labrador Perez, Joseph Giancarlo Labrador Perez, and two step-grandchildren, Klaire Sarver and Kaleb Sarver also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents, and six siblings, Cornelia “Corky” Perez, Guillermo Perez, Arthur Perez, Gloria Granada, Rudy Trujillo, and Frank Perez.

Raymond earned a diploma in Structural Drafting from LaSalle University in 1968, and at one time studied to become a priest. Raymond was so proud of being from Chicago; it meant so much to him. He was very active in his youth spending time working out at Duncan’s YMCA. He was involved in gymnastics, judo, karate, track, and bowling. He was an amateur boxer and boxed while serving in the US Army. He coached his daughters’ softball teams for several years and spent much time playing football with his nephews and teaching them the basics in karate.

He loved to take long walks with his grandsons, talking to them about almost anything, and taking in a good game of basketball and baseball with them.

Raymond was known by many of his friends as “Pizza Man.” He made and sold pizzas to his coworkers and friends for many years. Along with having pizza parties.

He looked forward to his daily walks to the store, his dogs and cats would accompany him to the corner where they would wait for his return to walk back home with him.

Raymond will be missed and remembered for his humorous disposition. Always good for a laugh, he loved to tell jokes, riddles, and stories about Chicago to his grandchildren, friends, and family, he always had a willing audience.

Christmas was his favorite time. He looked forward to an old-fashioned Christmas Tree with all the trimmings and colors. It wasn’t uncommon to hear him singing his favorite Christmas Carole, “Jingle Bells” throughout the year. Raymond delighted in simple pleasures. These are all the things he loved and more. We will remember him for his whit, his personality, and we will forever hold him dear in our hearts for theman that he truely was.

Raymond will lie in state after 3:00 p.m., Monday, at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home where a Parish Rosary will be prayed at 6:00 p.m. Following the rosary, the family will receive friends until 8:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital 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.