Ray Huntsman

Ray Huntsman passed away August 29, 2022, at Stormont Vail Hospital from a gallstone that caused acute cholecystitis, septic shock then multi organ failure. His wife and friends so appreciate the wonderful care he received from the doctors, nurses, and all staff in the ICU.

Harold Ray Huntsman was born to Kenneth and Mary Huntsman on December 18, 1947. Ray lived his whole life in the Topeka area. He married Christine Anderson on June 3, 1972. She survives. He is also survived by several cousins.

Ray graduated from Highland Park High School in 1966, where his vocational training that enhanced his skills to problem solve and fix things; he was a tinkerer. In 1970, Gov. Docking signed his Apprentice Certificate from the Kansas Department of Labor as an ENGINEER-EQUIPMENT MECHANIC. He later earned his journeyman Diesel Mechanics license. In 1978, he started his career at Westar Energy - Jeffery Energy Center. He was a member of IBEW 304. His union membership enabled him to have great benefits while working and also in retirement. He retired from there in 2003 after 25 years. From 2008-2016, he was a part time courier in NE Kansas.

He was a member of the Democratic party, and believed in a living wage, health care for all, and public education.

Ray and Chris fished a lot and enjoyed the Kansas lakes when they could afford a used boat and keep it running. He also enjoyed traveling by motorcycle, car, plane; he liked to ride the city bus in large cities and see where it took him. They hosted four foreign exchange students and cherish those relationships to this day.

A Celebration of Life for Ray will be Thursday, September 8 from 5:30-8:00 PM at the Garden House at Lake Shawnee, 3720 SE Yacht Ct, Topeka, KS. Come and enjoy a Taco Bar and share some stories. Information will be posted at Midwest Cremation.

Ray loved a great meal, so in memory of him, please bring a sack of groceries with the fixings of a great meal to your nearest food pantry.