Joe Ayala Jr. Obituary
With solemn hearts, we announce the passing of Joe Ayala Jr. of Wichita, Kansas, whose presence will be deeply missed, having departed on June 13, 2025 at the age of 88. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of Joe Ayala Jr. to pay them a last tribute.
He was predeceased by: his parents, Jose Ayala and Petra Ayala. He is survived by: his wife Lula; his siblings, Vidal, Grace, Helen, Ninfa, Abelardo (Larry), Armando, Hector Jaime and Mario; his daughter Michelle Wheeler (Shelly) of Mulvane, KS.; his siblings, Mary Elida Blades, Sergio, Danny, Joel, Carla Ayala and Abigail Landes; and his children, David of Wichita, Vanessa Baker of Cedar Vale, KS, Monty Ayala of Wichita, Angela Channel of Andover, KS and Jason Ayala of Wichita.
Viewing was held on Thursday, June 19th 2025 from 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM and on Friday, June 20th 2025 at 9:00 AM at the Downing & Lahey East Mortuary (6555 E Central Ave, Wichita, KS 67206). A rosary will be held on Friday, June 20th 2025 at 7:00 PM at the same location. A Mass will be held on Saturday, June 21st 2025 at 10:00 AM at the Church of the Magdalen Catholic Church (12626 E 21st St N, Wichita, KS 67206).
In 2015, Joe received THE LIFETIME SERVICE TO WRESTLING AWARD and was inducted into the Kansas State Wrestling Hall of Fame for his contribution to the sport over decades.
