David Raya

David Vincent Raya, 59, passed away on September 7, 2026, in Huntsville, Arkansas. David was a proud member of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes. He was born on June 8, 1967, in Los Angeles, California, to Alfred and Shirley (Alvarado) Raya.

David and his family later moved to Hammon, Oklahoma, where they made their home. He graduated from Hammon High School in 1986, where he played baseball. David was a talented baseball player who truly loved the game.

After high school, David began working in the oilfield as a pipeline worker. He later found a career in wildland firefighting and most recently served with the Black Kettle Wildland Fire program as an Engine Boss. David took great pride in his work and in the responsibility of helping to protect the land and the people around him.

David had a personality that was hard to forget. He loved to joke, laugh, and spend time with his friends and family. He enjoyed fishing, exploring, going to the casino, and spending time outdoors. He never minded being loud and having a good time, and his sense of humor could fill a room.

More than anything, David loved his grandchildren. His 18 grandchildren brought him tremendous joy, and he loved playing with them, spending time with them, and making memories together. His family was the center of his life, and he will be remembered for the love, laughter, and memories he shared with those around him.

David was preceded in death by his daughter, Danielle Raya.

He is survived by his parents, Alfred and Shirley Raya; his son, Timothy Raya of El Reno, Oklahoma; his daughters, Mia Raya of Hammon, Oklahoma, and Rena Raya of Austin, Texas; his brothers, John Ricker of Rogers, Arkansas, Richard Guzman of El Reno, Oklahoma, and Gino Raya of Los Angeles, California; his sister, Gina Raya of Los Angeles, California; 18 grandchildren; and a host of other family members, friends, and loved ones.

David will be remembered as a proud member of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, a hard-working man, a dedicated firefighter, a loyal friend, and, most importantly, a loving father and grandfather. His laughter, his stories, his larger-than-life personality, and the memories he made with his family and friends will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.