Phillip Otto Rayer passed into the arms of his loving Lord and Savior surrounded by his wife, family, friends and his Pastor. Stories were shared about Phil and how he impacted their lives and prayers were said over Phil.
We remember Phillip Otto Rayer of Mesa Arizona; a son, a brother, a father, a husband, an uncle, and a grandfather. Phil was born on Christmas in 1944, in Sherman Texas, to Rita Crystal and Felix Otto Rayer. He grew up in Omaha, Nebraska and was the 2nd oldest of 5 siblings. As a young man, Phil enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he worked as a radar tech during his service on the U.S.S. Lake Champlain Aircraft Carrier. He was proud to be part of the excursions to recover multiple Gemini Capsules from NASA’s first manned space flights. After serving in the military, Phil enjoyed his careers, such as an engineering tech in the semiconductor field, his time at Boeing as a security officer, and other fun jobs. Phil’s only son, also named Phillip, was influenced by his father’s knowledge of cars, as they shared many experiences together restoring cars and showing Corvettes in car shows. Phillip Michael learned a lot from his father. There was also the creative side of Phil that loved to build, fix and tinker with everything from the water heater, to construction projects around the house, to bicycles and cars. There was nothing Phil was hesitant to tackle, even putting up Christmas lights on the house, overcoming his fear of heights. Phil strove to stay healthy by running, hiking, walking, and cycling with his wife, family and close friends. Most of all, Phil loved to take care of the yard and garden with his loving wife, Shirley, by his side. It was in their beautiful yard that Phil loved to spend time with his family (talking about flowers and life), swimming, playing with grandchildren, and most of all cooking on the BBQ grill. Phil enjoyed his retirement years with his best friend and devoted wife of 26 years, Shirley. Together they traveled across the country, enjoyed walking on the beach, listening to The Beach Boys, watching old westerns, laughing, and drawing closer to Jesus. He loved his church and Pastor who encouraged and guided him.. We will all miss Phil’s cantankerous spirit and his sheepish grin. We long to see him in Heaven.
Phil is deeply missed most by his wife Shirley Ann Rayer; son Phillip Michael Rayer II (wife Misty); stepson Brad Swenson (wife Lucy), grandchildren: Phillip Austin III Rayer, Amber Rayer, and Charlie Swenson; sister Phyllis Sebeniecher (husband Lance), brother Frank Rayer, sister Mary Jo Krance (husband John), sister-in-law Shirley Rayer, and many nieces and nephews.
Phil was preceded in death by his parents Rita and Felix Rayer (Father’s 2nd wife, Marjorie Rayer), brother David Joseph Rayer, and sister-in-law, Sandy Rayer.
Valley Baptist Church in Mesa, AZ will host the funeral and viewing on October 30, 2023. Viewing will begin at 10:30 AM, followed by the funeral at 11:30 AM
We are so very sorry for your loss. We hope our support and prayers will help you all in your grief during this difficult time.