SWEET HOME: It is with heavy hearts and deep love that we announce Richard “Ricky” John Raz was called back to be with our Lord on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at the age of 69. He was born October 1, 1956, to Jim and Louise (Barcak) Raz in Yoakum, TX.
At the center of his world was his wife, Denise Ann (Simper) Raz. His best friend, love of his life and anchor, that kept him grounded. Among his many titles, Husband & Papaw were his favorites. He worked the last 14 years as a Salesman for Hansa-Flex alongside his friends and eldest son, Chris. He poured his heart into his career, where he was not only respected for his work, but loved for his laughter and uplifting spirit. It was never about work for him. Ricky believed relationships were the true measure of a good life. He proudly served in the U.S. Army Reserves directly after high school. He was a faithful member of the Queen of Peace Catholic Church and a volunteer for the Sweet Home Fire Department for many years. Outside of work, he enjoyed fishing and following his grandchildren and great grandchildren to all of their sports and extra-curricular activities, regardless of the distance.
His legacy is one of absolute joy, exuberance and unwavering kindness. He will be remembered not by just the stories that we tell, but by the way he made us all feel – valued, loved and uplifted. His happy disposition and easy laugh became his signature. By example, he taught us to make friends, to love deeply and to see the blessing in every single person. He never met a stranger anywhere he went, and strangers soon became friends, and friends turned into family. He always had a story to tell or a memory to share. He loved his family and friends unconditionally and supported them all without hesitation.
He is survived in death by his wife of 50 years and the love of his life, Denise Simper Raz. His love for her will endure the test of time. He is also survived by his eldest son, Chris Raz, and wife, Cindy of Inez, his daughter, Melissa and husband, Wayne Wauson of Midland, his son, Jason Raz, and wife, Mariah of Yoakum, his daughter, Wendy, and husband, Greg Mican of Victoria, and his youngest daughter, Sandy, and husband, Justin Butschek of Hallettsville; grandchildren, Morgan & Alex Heimann, Mason and Madison Raz, Brayden and Ashtyn Wauson, Layne and Brynlynn Wauson, Wyatt and Peyton Mican, Tyler, Trace and Trent Butschek, Zac Raz, and; great grandchildren, Briley and Hadley Heimann and Halle Wauson; brother James Raz of Ganado, sister, Barbara Nilsson, and husband Weldon of Victoria, and baby sister, Vickie Sobotik, and husband Patrick of Yoakum.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim & Louise Raz; son, Jeremy John Raz; great granddaughter Emma Grace Heimann; father-in-law, George Simper; and mother-in-law, Georgie Simper
Visitation 4 to 6 p.m., with Rosary recited at 6 p.m., Sunday, October 12, 2025, at Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home.
Funeral Mass 10 a.m., Monday, October 13, 2025, at Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Sweet Home with Rev. Dominic Antwi-Boasiako officiating. Burial to follow at Koerth Catholic Cemetery.
Pallbearers are his grandsons, Brayden Wauson, Wyatt Mican, Mason Raz, Tyler Butschek, Trace Butschek, Zachary Raz, Peyton Mican, Layne Wauson, and Trent Butschek.
Honorary Pall Bearers are his granddaughters, Morgan, Briley and Hadley Heimann, Madison Raz and Brynlynn Wauson
Memorial contributions may be made to St. John the Baptist Church in Koerth or the Sweet Home Volunteer Fire Department.