MSG (Ret.) Raymond Henry Loos Jr.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of MSG (Ret.) Raymond H. "Butch" Loos, Jr., 64, of Elizabethtown, who departed this life peacefully on Saturday, October 4, 2025, surrounded by his loving wife and children while wearing his favorite Buffalo Bills hat. Ray was born December 29, 1960, in Buffalo, New York, to the late Raymond Sr., and Barbara Loos (Pacanowski).

Ray retired from the United States Army in 2012, after proudly serving his country for more than 30 years. He began his military career as a member of the New York Army National Guard before enlisting in the United States Army Reserve, where he remained on active duty throughout his career. Throughout his enlistment, Ray served as a Drill Sergeant and Senior Drill Sergeant for five years before transitioning to military recruiting where he served in the Buffalo and Syracuse Recruiting Companies. After excelling in recruiting leadership for years, including as USAR Operations NCO and Master Trainer for the Syracuse Recruiting Battalion, he was selected to attend the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy. He graduated in Class 31 of the Sergeants Major Academy and relocated to the Headquarters of the United States Army Recruiting Command at Ft. Knox, Kentucky, where he served as the Army Reserve Recruiting Operations Center Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge. He completed his military career serving as the Chaplain Recruiting Branch Operations Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge.

Throughout his decades of service, he earned countless merits and awards, including the Meritorious Service Medal with three oak clusters, the Army Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Army Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Gold Army Recruiter Badge with three sapphires, the Gold Recruiter Ring, and the Glenn E. Morell Award for recruiting excellence.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 39 years, Laurie (Steiger); three children, Ian (Brandi) Loos of Bowling Green, Alysha (Jordan) del Rosario of Cecilia, and Zachary Loos of Elizabethtown; five cherished grandchildren, Connor, Ryan, and Samuel Loos, Allie Watson, and Ember del Rosario; his loving mother, Barbara Loos (Pacanowski); his sister, Sandra (Jim) Staebell; his family dog, Dee; a bonus son, Nathan Thurman of Elizabethtown; and many other family members and friends who loved him dearly. Ray was predeceased by his father, Raymond H. Loos, Sr., and his beloved childhood dog, George.

Ray was a simple man who found joy in the quiet moments: sitting outside, listening to rock n roll, grilling, and keeping his lawn as pristine as Kentucky weather allowed. His patriotism was evident in the American flag that always flew from his front porch, illuminated each night without fail. He was also known for his open garage, where neighbors and friends were always welcome for a drink, a story, a laugh, and especially to cheer on the Buffalo Bills.

Ray will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.