Elmond “Ray” Reininger, age 79 of Seguin, passed away on September 17, 2026. Ray was born on April 5, 1947, in Seguin, Texas, to Velma (Schroeder) and Elmond Otto Reininger.
A lifelong Seguin native, Ray graduated from Seguin High School in 1965. He joined the United States Navy during the Vietnam era, serving his country as an electronics technician.
Following his military service, Ray returned home to Seguin and began what would become a long career in law enforcement, first serving as a patrolman with the Seguin Police Department. He later attended Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, earning his degree in law enforcement while supporting himself as an electronics technician for Motorola.
After graduation, Ray attended the U.S. Border Patrol Academy and served as a Border Patrol agent for three years. In 1978, he began the longest chapter of his law enforcement career with the former U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). He devoted nearly two decades to federal law enforcement before retiring in 1997 as a Special Agent.
During these years, Ray and his former wife, Cynthia Medlin, raised their six children in Seguin.
Service remained an important part of Ray’s life long after his retirement. He was active in veterans and federal retiree organizations, including the American Legion and the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE), where he served his local chapter. His passion for genealogy also led to many years of service with the Comal County Genealogy Society. He served as vice president for six years before becoming president in 2022 and later serving as treasurer and past president.
In 2015, Ray married Deborah “Debbie” Reininger who remained with him until his death.
Ray’s interests were as varied as the chapters of his life. A self taught builder and craftsman, he built two of his own homes and was rarely afraid to take on a project himself. He also had a lifelong love of cars. One of his proudest projects was the restoration of a 1966 Mustang. And while Ray always seemed to have something he was working on, he was just as likely to have a story to tell or a conversation to strike up- and once he got started, he could talk your ear off.
Over the years, his interests included collecting and selling sports cards and comic books. Later in life, he turned his attention to growing produce and raising chickens, selling his goods at area farmers markets. He was an avid sports fan, had a deep interest in researching family genealogy, and could happily pass the time playing computer solitaire.
Ray was preceded in death by his son, Timothy Christopher Reininger; his parents, Velma and Elmond Otto Reininger; and his brother, Delmar Wayne Reininger.
Survivors include his loving wife, Deborah “Debbie” Reininger; daughter, Rayanne DuChane and husband Greg; sons, Eric Reininger and wife Erin, Michael Reininger, Joseph Reininger, and Thomas Reininger and wife Robbin; grandchildren, Kelsey, Shelby and fiancé Tristan, Garrett and partner Mia, Alissa, Connor, Sydney, Liam, Harper, and Blakely; great-grandson, Christopher; step-daughters, Jackie Lopez and husband Reyes, Jessica Arcega and husband Cain, and Jennifer Baerwald; step-grandchildren, Brooklyn, Bruno, Gruene, Zara, Kaden, JJ, and Christian; as well as numerous other loving family members and a host of friends.
Graveside services and interment with military honors will be held on Friday, October 9, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at San Geronimo Cemetery, with the Reverend Jeremy Roy officiating.
Immediately following the graveside service, family and friends are invited to gather for a reception at one of Ray’s favorite local stops, BS Brewing, 1408 Old Lehmann Rd., Seguin, where he could often be found on Friday Evenings enjoying a burger, a cold beer, and good company.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
You are invited to sign the guest book at www.treshewell.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Tres Hewell Mortuary, 165 Tor Dr., Seguin, Texas 78155, 830-549-5912.