Ray E. Kandt Jr., M.D., passed away on May 6, 2026, at the age of 90. He will be remembered at a Memorial Service at 2:00pm on June 20, 2026, at Atonement Lutheran Church (9948 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS 66212). Visitation with family will begin at 1:00pm.
Ray left behind a profound legacy of medical service, devotion to healing and a life enriched by knowledge, science and faith. Born on August 1, 1935 in the middle of the Great Depression in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Ray was the third of seven children in his family. He spent his youth in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he attended public schools and developed a love for learning and the outdoors—spending his time hiking, skiing and ice skating. An outstanding student, he graduated from Palmer High School with the Class of 1953, where he finished at the top of his class and was honored as the Graduation Commencement Speaker.
Dr. Kandt pursued his higher education with dedication, earning a scholarship to Colorado College and graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1957, followed by another scholarship to the University of Colorado School of Medicine and his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree in 1961. That same year, he wed Jeanette Elizabeth Barton in
Wichita, Kansas. In 1964, the couple established their roots in the Overland Park and Prairie Village, KS, areas, where they would raise their three children and remain residents for over half a century.
His distinguished medical career began with an internship at Fitzsimmons Army Hospital from 1961 to 1962, serving his country as a Captain in the United States Air Force. From 1962 to 1964, he served as the Chief of the Aerospace Medicine Department at Schilling AFB Hospital under Strategic Air Command (SAC) in Salina, KS. Following his military service, Dr. Kandt completed his residency training in the Ophthalmology Department at the University of Kansas Medical School from 1964 to 1967. He received an offer to teach after his residency, but he decided to enter private practice; however, he continued to devote one day a week to talking and teaching at KU Medical School for several years without pay. In private practice, he served on the medical staff of Baptist and St. Joseph hospitals in Kansas City, Missouri, from 1967 until his retirement in 1996.
Throughout his nearly three decades in specialized medical practice, Dr. Kandt was highly regarded by colleagues and patients alike. He held an Intraocular Lens Implantation Course Certificate from the Eye Foundation of California and maintained active licensing with the Missouri Board for Medicine and Surgery as well as the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts, Medicine and Surgery. He was an active member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Medical Association, the Kansas City Medical Society, the Missouri State Medical Society, the Contact Lens Association of Ophthalmologists, the American College of Surgeons and the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Ray was a man of faith and enjoyed traveling with his wife and family. He was an active and dedicated member of Faith Lutheran Church and then Atonement Lutheran Church.
On his travels, he explored many parts of the world. Highlights for him included an African safari, China, and a trip along the Danube River, where he was particularly delighted one evening to be chosen from his group to dance with regional folk dancers. He also shared a deep appreciation for the natural beauty of his home country and toured many of our national parks.
Ray is survived by his beloved wife Jeanette Elizabeth Kandt; his three children, Kristin, Darin, and Douglas; and his two cherished grandchildren, Kala and Jaden. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray Sr. and Esther Kandt. His kindness, intellect, and spirit will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
