BARTELS
Ray L. Bartels, 56, of Columbus, passed away at Columbus Community Hospital on Feb. 28. He was born in Houston Oct. 6, 1965 to Charles Raymond and Gayle (Bone) Bartels. He moved with his family to Columbus and attended St Anthony School and Columbus High School. He graduated from Wharton County Junior College in 1986 and married the love of his life, Pat (Orange) Bartels in 1990. Together they had two wonderful children, Brett and Taylor.
Ray was a general contractor but mainly he was a man of all trades. He could fix almost anything that needed fixing. He was skilled in carpentry, welding, large and small engine repair and all the little “honey-do’s” that his family could list. Pat and his kids lovingly teased him for his tendency to always keep an extra part tucked away for a “just in case” situation, but when the air conditioner would go out at 10 p.m. on Saturday night, Ray had just the right part to replace and repair it right then.
Ray loved fishing, both salt and fresh water. His happy place was in his boat on the bay. He was a hunter and a cook; crawfish, fried ribs and rabbit sauce piquant were some of his specialties. He enjoyed tinkering on his old International Scout truck.
Above all of these, Ray was a good and gentle man. He always had a kind word and enjoyed a good visit and chat. He loved his family and was so very proud of his children.
He always had time to talk about them and talk to them. “Raybert” was on both Brett and Taylor’s phones often. Time and again, he talked about how blessed and lucky he felt that his children were healthy and happy.
Ray is survived by his wife of 32 years, Pat; son Brett Bartels and wife Brittney of Houston; daughter Taylor Bartels of Austin; sister Laure Restivo and husband Rick; grandson Noah Bryson Bartels; mother Gayle Bartels; mother-in-law Evelyn Orange; brother-in-law Scott Orange and wife Tammy all of Columbus; nieces Emma Restivo of Denton; Hannah Orange of Dallas and Bri Orange of Columbus.
He was preceded in death by his father Charles Raymond Bartels and father-in-law Eddie Orange.
Visitation was Friday Mar. 4 at St. Roch Catholic Church in Mentz. A rosary was held at 9:30 a.m. and a Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. at St. Roch Catholic Church with Fr. Bob Knippenberg officiating.
Pallbearers were Walt Phillips, William Mills, Darren Kunz, Stuart Hastedt, Taylor Hastedt and David Olivarez.
Memorials may be given to St Anthony Catholic School Library, 635 Bonham St. Columbus Texas 78934 or Warrior Benefit, In Memory of Ray Bartels, 19403 Carpenters Bayou Court, Cypress Texas 77443, https://warriorbenefit.org
Online condolences may be given at www.hennekefuneralhome.com.