Raymond Otto Neitsch, Jr

Raymond Otto Neitsch, Jr., 69, of Gonzales, passed away Wednesday, June 3, 2026.

Ray was born on May 24, 1957, to Raymond Sr. and Betty Jean Glass Neitsch. He was brought home to his older sister, Jeanette. His younger sister Cindy followed him a few years later. Growing up on a dairy farm with chicken houses, he learned to work hard, and the day wasn’t over till the job was done. Life wasn’t always about work; Ray spent many weekends with his sisters and cousins. Jeanette, Ray, and Cindy loved riding their horses to the Oak Forest store to get a drink and snacks. And they thought they were so special when they could walk in, grab their snacks and walk out without paying. Only to learn that their mom went once a week to pay their tab. Sunday afternoons growing up were ALWAYS reserved for Mumsy and Bop’s lunches where all the aunts, uncles and cousins were present. Mumsy and Bop’s was the place to be on Sundays after church and on the holidays. Ray even participated in the annual Glass Christmas pageant or talent show and summer football or baseball games in Mumsy’s front yard.

Ray’s family were avid horse people. They traveled around the state chasing playdays and rodeos. Every weekend was devoted to horse shows. Growing up, the rule was if you can’t go to church on Sunday morning, then you can’t go to the rodeo on Saturday. He loved the challenge of breaking colts. It also came with many wrecks, such as fractured skulls, broken collarbones and ribs, being kicked in the face. Ray’s favorite horse growing up was Bunny. Bunny loved to go as much as Ray did. If the trailer door was open, then you could always find Bunny there. During their many rodeo trips, Ray met his future wife, Judy Lynn Martin. Judy had tracked him down at the Brushy Creek Saddle Club because he was the man that always had tools and could fix anything. They later got engaged at the Bastrop Arena. They got married at the First Methodist Church of Gonzales on May 22, 1976.

Their son, Raymond Michael Neitsch, came into their world the following July. We’re not sure who was more excited about having a son Ray or his dad, Booty. Crystal LaRae came five years later, and Tracey Selena was born three years after that. Ray was a devoted father, even when he was trying to referee fist fights between Michael and Crystal or working the ground at the barrel races his daughters went too. He never missed one of Crystal’s football games when she was cheerleading. There may have been cattle standing on the trailer in the parking lot, but he wasn’t going to miss a game or pep rally. In 2011, he gained another son when Crystal married Michael Ehrig. Hours of tractor, hay baling and cattle conversations happened daily between them.

The center of his world was born in August, 2015. His grandson, Lawrence Rowdy Ehrig, came into the world talking and Papa was always listening. Rowdy could do no wrong with Ray. Papa and Rowdy loved their trips to NAPA, Boehm Tractor and W B Farm & Ranch. In fact, Michael and Rowdy had just found DVD’s of 1940’s and 50’s IH tractors to watch with Papa.

Ray leaves behind his loving but hardheaded wife, Judy; daughters Crystal (Michael) and Tracey, one grandson Lawrence Rowdy, survived by his sisters, Jeanette (David) Pruett and Cindy Neitsch and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Betty Jean Neitsch, a son Michael.

The family will receive friends from 1 pm to 2 pm Sunday, June 7, 2026 in the First Methodist Church. Funeral services will be held at 2 pm Sunday, June 7, 2026 in the First Methodist Church with Dr. Matt Pennibgton officiating. Interment will follow in Pecan Branch/Smith Cemetery. Pallbearers are Keaton Glass, Kobey Glass, Connor Pruett, Coby Pruett, Will Lamprecht, Morgan Mills, Blake Petrek and Carl Weber. Honorary pallbearers are David Pruett, Jay Pruett, Bryan Pruett, Glenn Glass, and Clay Shannon.

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church Happy House Fund. Friends may leave their condolences to the family by visiting www.seydlerhillfuneralhome.com. Services are under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home.