More detail on this person: Raymond Eugene
Vietti passed away December 24, 2015. He was
born October 14, 1947, at his parents' home in
Pittsburg, Kansas. He attended St. Mary's Grade
School and Colgan High School and graduated from
Pittsburg State University in 1969 with a degree
in Automotive Technology. In his youth, he worked
at Vietti Auto Body Shop, his parents' business.
Following his graduation from Pittsburg State
University, he was commissioned as a 2nd
Lieutenant in the United States Army. After being
stationed at Fort Knox, he served in Vietnam with
the 7thSquadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment in the 1st
Aviation Brigade as a helicopter pilot, where he
received several decorations, including the
Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross. After an
honorable discharge from the military, he embarked
on a 40-plus year career in the automotive and
insurance industries.
He is survived by his spouse of 45 years, Jackie
Basham Vietti of El Dorado, KS, his five children:
Dana Vietti MD, Columbia, MO, Angela Vietti
O'Kane (Steve), Shawnee, KS, Mike Vietti (Emily),
Lenexa, KS, James Vietti, Washington, DC, and
Chris Vietti (Rosario), Tulsa, OK, and four
grandchildren: Sophie, Arthur, Audrey and
Penelope. In addition to his immediate family, he
is survived by his two brothers Tony Vietti
(Joyce), Pittsburg, KS, and Tom Kazmierski,
Joplin, MO, and step brothers Jim (Twalla) and Len
Kazmierski. He has been blessed with the
extended families of EMC Insurance Company,
where he was employed for 18 years, and Butler
Community College. He was an avid Grizzlies
supporter. He is preceded in death by his mother
Minnie Vietti Kazmierski, his father Mike Vietti,
his brother Michael Vietti, and his nephew Johnny
Vietti.
Upon retirement, Ray could often be found relaxing
on his back porch with a cigar in one hand and a
bourbon in the other. He also enjoyed spending
time with his family, amusing his friends on
social media, meeting with the EMC Lunch Bunch,
and driving Miss Daisy to meetings and social
engagements as well as participating in Great
Courses related to military history.
Those privileged to know and love him will
remember his selflessness, generosity, caring,
kindness and unwavering support. His children,
grandchildren and friends will miss his endearing
sense of humor and gentle heart.
Visitation will be Tuesday, December 29, from 5-7
pm at Carlson Funeral Home, El Dorado. Funeral
Mass will be Wednesday, December 30, at 1 pm at
St. John Catholic Church, El Dorado. In lieu of
flowers, the family suggests contributions to the
Ray and Jackie Vietti Student Success Scholarship
Fund at Butler Community College, c/o the Butler
Foundation Office, 901 South Haverhill Rd, El
Dorado, KS, 67042.
This information was last updated 05/18/2016
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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