Arthur Ray Siecko passed away suddenly on March 28, 2026 at the age of 72 after a brief illness and a brief battle with cancer.  He was born March 7, 1954 in Ganado, Texas to Halton and Mary Kutchka Siecko and raised by his grandparents John and Pauline Yendrey Kutchka in the close-knit community of Morales, Texas.  Arthur Ray’s life was a testament to the values of hard work, love and generosity.  He married the love of his life, Diana Jackson on October 25, 1975 in Edna, Texas.  Their marriage, which spanned an incredible 50 years, was a beacon of love and partnership.  Together they raised a family filled with warmth and laughter raising their son Corey Siecko, who along with his wife Christy carries on Arthur Ray’s legacy of kindness and integrity.  He was a devoted grandfather to Corey Siecko, Jr., and found immense pride and joy in his great-grandson Layton Siecko.

He is survived by his son Corey Siecko (Christy), grandson Corey Siecko, Jr., and great-grandson Layton Siecko, sisters Elaine Siecko James (David), Sandra Siecko Patterson and brother Michael Siecko, cousins Melvin Siecko (Robbie) Anthony “Tony” Kutchka (Georgette), Debbie Kutchka Hudgeons (Royce), nephews Mark Siecko (Halley) Jesse James, Kody James (Melissa) Bryan James (Chelsea) and niece Kayla James and many other loving family members.

He is preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, daughter Christina Talley, sisters Bonnie Siecko and Audrey Sprague. 

Arthur Ray found his calling in the wide-open spaces of the ranching world instilled in him by his grandparents John and Pauline Kutchka.  He started out in the oilfield but soon found that ranching was where his heart was and he embraced it with passion and dedication.  He loved being outdoors whether it was tending to the cattle and land or embarking on fishing and hunting adventures in the mountains of New Mexico and Colorado with his long-time best friend Steve Thompson.  Arthur Ray also cared deeply for his good friend and employer Jon Poole whom he loved along with his wife Mary Jo.

He was known for his kindhearted and generous nature, always willing to lend a helping hand when it was needed.  His warmth and hospitality were felt by many, especially his closest friends Jon Poole and Steve Thompson, who stood by him through life’s many ups and downs.

A service to honor and celebrate his life will be held Friday, April 10, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Slavik Funeral Home Chapel located at 209 N. Allen St., Edna, Texas.  Eulogy to be proudly delivered by Steve Thompson and the final prayer at the closing of the service will be led by Steve Brandon.  Interment to follow at Siecko Cemetery in Morales, Texas. Pallbearers are Steve Thompson, Hunter Thompson, Shane Siecko, Clayton Siecko, Kody James, and Jesse James with John Rogers as alternate.