Raye Edward Storts

Raye Edward Storts, age 68, of Winfield, KS was born on November 20, 1955. He passed away on June 30, 2024, he lost his battle against esophageal cancer.

Raye, the son of Georgina and Jim Storts, spent his formative years in Arkansas City, KS as part of a large family, with his two brothers Rick and Lee and two sisters Debra and Deana.

Raye proudly served in the Navy, where he earned an honorable discharge. Notably, at the age of 17, Raye's spirited nature led him to venture out one night against parental wishes, prompting his enlistment by his mom the following morning. This marked the beginning of his service journey that eventually stationed him in Rota, Spain.

Following his military career, Raye returned to Waco, Texas, a place he cherished from his youth. It was during this time that fate intervened when he and his cousin met Lisa Bradsby while seeking directions to Lake Waco. This chance meeting blossomed into a lifelong friendship, and Raye and Lisa married in 1980. Together, they were blessed with two children, Cory Raye and Sarah Caitlin, whom they raised in West, Texas, near Waco.

Raye found great joy in his work, you would always find him in his garage, doors open, blaring classic rock on the radio. If he allowed himself some time to relax, he could be seen cruising country backroads, depending on which hot rod he had at that time- but he always had windows rolled down, t-tops off, or on a custom-painted motorcycle. He possessed a remarkable knack for fixing and building anything, he had a passion for custom painting and restoring cars, motorcycles, and aircraft to pristine condition. Raye was a true artist, painting airplanes was his specialty.  

His kiddos knew pinstriping or which grit-size sandpaper to use before applying bondo, before even learning how to ride a bike. Raye always taught his children that a strong work ethic and a good sense of humor were important.
And a spam sandwich, with a lil' bit of mustard, was the best dinner.
Above all else, Raye cherished his children dearly, always ensuring they knew they were loved beyond measure.

He never lost his childlike spirit, he was definitely a jokester, always playing pranks on his coworkers, and telling funny bedtime stories to his children to bring smiles to their faces. His warm smile and generous heart endeared him to friends and strangers alike, as he willingly extended a helping hand to anyone in need. Raye was just the kind of person who drew people in.

Raye Storts will be remembered fondly for his infectious smile, his boundless compassion, and his unwavering dedication to his work, family and friends.

Raye is survived by his former wife of 21 years, Lisa Storts; two children, Cory Storts and Sarah Lenox, her husband Dylan Lenox; and two grandchildren, Willow and Tatum Lenox.
He is also survived by his brother Rick Storts, his wife Phila; and sister Debra, along with her husband Tim Neal. As well as, numerous loving nephews and nieces.
Raye is preceded in death by his parents Jim and Georgina Storts; brother Lee Storts and sister Deana Pate.

A military funeral honors and committal service will take place at the Kansas Veterans Cemetery at Winfield, Friday, July 12, 2024 at 11:00 A.M.  

His family wishes to extend a special thanks to the dedicated staff at the Kansas Veterans Home in Winfield, KS.

“When he has swallowed up death once and for all, the Lord GOD will wipe away the tears from every face and remove his people’s disgrace from the whole earth, for the LORD has spoken.”

Isaiah 25:8