Blaine Raber

U.S. Navy vet was longtime diesel mechanic. Blaine Raber, 78, of Taylorstown, died at 1:50 a.m. Monday, February 5, 2007, in his home. He was born September 9,1928, in Washington, a son of Chauncey and Minnie Loueva Stahl Raber. Mr. Raber was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, having served from 1945 until 1949. He served in China and Japan. Mr. Raber was a diesel mechanic for Suburban Bus Lines for more than 20 years. He was a member of Taylorstown Presbyterian Church, Edwin Scott Linton American Legion Post 175, Veterans of Foreign Wars 1367 and Alpine Club. Mr. Raber enjoyed bowling and playing golf, darts and horseshoes. On August 3, 1996, he married Ruth Louise Gross, who survives. Also surviving are a son, William C. (Betsy) Raber of Venetia; a brother, Roy H. Raber of Elyria, Ohio; and two grandchildren, Alec Raber and Rachel Raber. Deceased are a brother, Chauncey Raber; and six sisters, Anna Lucille Kennell, May Louise Briggs, Minnie June Hughes, Helen Jessel, and twins Mary Ann and Mary Lou Raber. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, February 9, with Pastor Gary Gibson officiating. Burial will follow in Claysville Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Care of Washington Hospital, 155 Wilson Avenue, Washington, PA 15301.