Ramon Reyes

Ramon Reyes, commonly known as ‘Grampo’ by his adored grandchildren, died at his son and daughter-in-law’s home on December 7, 2023. He was surrounded by his family and former wife, Mary Perez Vega. He will forever be honored and remembered.

Born on January 19, 1932, in Wellington, Ramon spent nearly all his life in his hometown, forging a legacy of loyalty, dedication, and love. He retired in 1992 from the Wellington Post Office and was a member of the St. Anthony/St. Rose Catholic Church in Wellington.

Ramon was a decorated soldier “Master Sgt. Ramon Reyes (Ret.). He received numerous Medals, including The Purple Heart for wounds he received in action and the Bronze Star of Valor medal, one of the highest medals given to any combat soldier for heroic achievements against the enemy. Combat Infantry Badge, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Korean Citation, Korean Service Medal with two stars, and the U.S. Army Reserve Force Medal.

Ramon also served as Senior Vice Commander of VFW Post 881 in Wellington and for several years as Chapter Commander 2001-2002 of the MOPH chapter 554 and Senior Vice Commander in Wichita, where he was still active up until his passing.

Ramon continued to support organizations for which he received numerous recognitions, including his service period of the Cold War (Sept. 2, 1945-Dec. 26, 1991) for promoting peace and stability for this Nation. A Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Volunteer Support at McConnell AFB, Fitness Center. Certificate of Appreciation for exceptional outstanding support of the Wichita Public Schools JROTC and leadership programs since inception, Certificate of Appreciation of the U.S. Army Reserve for devotion to the defense and protection of our American way of life. At the Wellington Hispanic Veteran Reunion, Ramon was recognized as the Distinguished Hispanic Veteran of the Year from the Kansas American GI Forum in 1995 at Overland Park, KS. Ramon was the Honorary Grand Marshall at the 2023 Veterans Parade in Wichita, KS, his big debut. Ramon was a heroic, devoted Soldier through and through.

Ramon was preceded in death by his parents, Teo`filo` and Maria (Olivan) Reyes; his beloved son Raymond “Junior” Reyes and his siblings: John Reyes, Frances Ybarra and Tony Reyes.

He is survived by his former wife, Mary Perez Vega and their children: Flo Ybarra and husband Steve of Wellington, Cecilia (Chila) Burk and husband Rob of Wichita, Rosaline Epsteen of Champaign, Illinois, Jackline Reyes of Wellington and Andrew Reyes and wife Jennifer of Wichita; his beloved grandchildren: Stephanie Hopper and husband Joe, Nicholas Ybarra, Nathan Ybarra and wife Jodi, Noah Ybarra, Michael Wilson, Christopher Wilson, Tommy Wilson and wife Audrey, Daniel Reyes, Sean Epsteen, Thomas J. Nichols, Arianna Nichols, Victor Reyes, Chad McCormick, Eugene McCormick, Christian McCormick, Gabrielle McCormick, Hope McCormick, Sofia Paz-Flores, Aria Reyes, Andrew Reyes Jr, Nicholas Reyes and wife Jena, Casey Reyes, Joel Reyes, Madison Reyes; 31 great-grandchildren; 7 great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Lucia Reyes; a brother, Henry Reyes and a large extended family of nieces, nephews and their families and numerous friends.

A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 1 to 7 p.m., Monday, December 11, 2023, with the family present to receive guests from 5 to 7 p.m.

The recitation of the Holy Rosary will begin at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, December 12, 2023. It will be followed by the funeral mass at 10:30 a.m. in St. Anthony St. Rose Catholic Church, Wellington. Interment with military honors will follow at the Prairie Lawn Cemetery, Wellington.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be given to the Wichita JROTC, 903 South Edgemoor, Wichita 67218. Contributions can be mailed or left with the funeral home.

Share a memory, leave condolences, or sign his digital tribute wall at www.cornejofuneralhome.com.

Arrangements by Cornejo Funeral Home + Crematory, 1030 Mission Road, Wellington.