William D. Raby, 93, of Loudonville, died Thursday, June 16, 2016 in Colonial Manor Health Care Center, Loudonville after an extended illness.
Bill was born Sept. 6, 1922 in Loudonville, the son of the late Ralph H. and Cordelia (Doyle) Raby. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, serving in the 1st Construction Battalion, “The SeaBees.” Before the War, Bill was a member of the Civilian Conservation Corps working in Utah and also working for the Pennsylvania Railroad. He operated heavy equipment during the 1950s and helped to build Interstate 71 through north central Ohio.
For 12 years he was the campground manager and ranger at Mohican State Park. He later worked eight years for the U.S. Forest Service at the Buffalo Bill Historic Center in Cody, Wyoming.
Bill was a member of American Legion Post 257, Loudonville; a 50-year member of Hanover Lodge #115 F&AM, King Cyrus Chapter 207 RAM, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Valley of Columbus, Aladdin Temple Shrine, Columbus, and past Worthy Patron of the Iris Chapter Order of Eastern Star, Loudonville.
He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Dana and Deborah Raby, of Loudonville; a grandson, Kyle Spreng, of Loudonville; and a great granddaughter, Marlie Spreng, of Loudonville. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Elizabeth Taylor Raby, and three sisters, Eunice Dean, Eula Wyatt and Carrie Neff.
Memorial services will be held Tuesday, June 21, at 7 p.m. in Lindsey Funeral Home, Loudonville with Rev. Howard Burnett officiating, followed by military rites provided by the American Legion and VFW. Burial will be in Loudonville Cemetery at a later date.
Friends may call Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m. in the funeral home where Masonic Services will be begin at 6:45 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial contributions be given to Hospice of North Central Ohio, Knox County Unit, 1050 Dauch Drive, Ashland, Ohio 44805. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.Byerly-Lindsey.com.
