Raymond G. Florez Jr., 61, of Kansas City, Missouri passed away on July 23, 2023 at St. Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute. Raymond was born on August 17, 1961 in Kansas City, Missouri to Raymond Florez Sr. and Julia (Gamino) Florez. He attended St. Francis Xavier Catholic Grade School where he was an outstanding basketball player. He attended Bishop O’Hara Catholic High School and graduated from Southwest High School.
Raymond was employed at Andre’s Confiserie Suisse in Kansas City. He was a hardworking well-liked and valuable member of the kitchen staff. Raymond also worked as a press operator at the Kansas City Star for many years and for many other printing companies. In addition, Raymond worked in banquets for The Crown Center, Marriott and The Alameda Plaza Hotels. Raymond was open to new experiences and adventures. He worked in the fishing industry in Anchorage, Alaska. He also worked for a construction company traveling throughout the southeastern states.
Raymond loved sports, especially the Kansas City Chiefs and the Mizzou Tigers. He also enjoyed listening to Classic Rock and Oldies but Goodies music. Raymond was a donor with the Midwest Transplant Network. He is honored for enhancing and saving the lives of many others.
His father Raymond Florez Sr. who died on September 6, 1998 and his mother Julia (Gamino) Florez who died on March 15, 2023 precede Raymond in death. He is survived by his loving daughter Ashley Florez and his grandson Austin Miller of Prairie Village, Kansas. Left behind to cherish his memory are his two sisters, JoAnn Close of Olathe, Kansas, Maria Smith and her husband Brian of Overland Park, Kansas, three brothers Anthony Perez and his wife Ruth of Olathe, Kansas, Michael Florez and his wife Liz of Kansas City, Missouri and Richard Wilder Sr. of Topeka, Kansas. He will be sadly missed by his aunt Mary and uncle Tommy Galvan of San Antonio, Texas and his aunt Helen Florez and his uncle Danny Sanchez of Topeka, Kansas. Raymond is also survived by the mother of his daughter Kerri Diehl along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. Raymond was helpful, generous and a hardworking person. Raymond will be missed by his beloved family and numerous friends.
The family would like to express their sincere thanks to the staff of St. Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute ICU-Vascular Care Unit for the excellent care and compassion they showed Raymond. In addition, the family is especially thankful to Connie Tinoco for her dedication and loving care in placing Raymond at St. Luke’s.
Raymond was cremated according to his wishes. A “Celebration of Life” will be 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, August 17, 2023 at the McGilley & Frye Funeral Home 105 East Loula Street Olathe, Kansas. A brief memorial service will begin at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Condolences may be offered at www.McGilley-Frye.com
