CHASE — John Charles Ray, 58, of Chase, Kan., crossed the Finish Line into Heaven Jan. 6, 2025, at the Sterling Village. He was born Sept. 23, 1966, in Lyons, Kan., the son of Howard Milton Ray and Patricia Ann Kelso. John was a lifelong Chase resident. He attended Chase High School and received his HVAC certificate from an Oklahoma trade school. John was an auto mechanic and worked in the oil field. He was a member of the First Baptist Church, Chase. 

John enjoyed spending time at the lake, boating and camping. He was a musician, playing the guitar and drums, for several bands. John loved dirt track racing, and especially helping others. He also ran several 5K’s with his daughter, Ashlyn. 

John is survived by his mother, Patricia Ann Porter of Lyons; two children, Joshua Ray (Hallie) of Sterling, Kan., and Ashlyn Altvater (Jonathan) of Inman, Kan.; sister, Melinda Moore (Alan) of Lyons, Kan.; and three grandchildren, Averie and RaeLynn Altvater, and Eli Gillespie and numerous nieces and nephews. John is preceded in death by his father, Howard Milton Ray; stepfather, James Porter; daughter, Mara Gillespie; two brothers, James Ray (Kathy), and David Ray; sister, baby Angel Ray; and nephew David Ray. 

Funeral service will be at 2 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, at the First United Methodist Church, Lyons, with Melinda Moore officiating. Burial will follow at the Lyons Municipal Cemetery, Lyons. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until service time at the church, with family present. Memorials may be given to Patricia Porter in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Birzer Funeral Homes

214 West Ave. South

Lyons, KS  67554

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Jan. 9, 2025