Raphael A. 'Ray' Raben
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Raphael A. "Ray" Raben, 84, of Carmi but lifelong resident of Ridgway, died Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2011, in Evansville, Ind., at St. Mary's Medical Center.
Ray, as most knew him, was born on the family farm east of Ridgway on June 16, 1926, to the late Ed and Theresa (Neuman) Raben.
Ray served his country in the Army in World War II as a medic. He farmed most of his life. Ray was a member of the Ridgway American Legion and was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ridgway. Ray loved being around his family and friends to visit. He will be missed by our community.
Ray is survived by his son, Tom and Keri Raben, of Arnold, Mo.; two granddaughters, Abigail and Natalie Raben of Arnold, Mo., and two sisters, Alvena Doerr of Carmi and Eva Parker of St. Charles. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Ray was preceded in death by two brothers, Edgar (Jerry) and Bob Raben; and two sisters, Stella Fromm and Louise Unthank.
Visitation for Ray will be from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 7, 2011, at the Cox and Son Funeral Home in Ridgway with a prayer service at 5 p.m. A funeral Mass for Ray will be starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 8, 2011, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ridgway with Father Steven Beatty celebrating Mass. Interment will be in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Ridgway with military rites conducted at the grave site by the Ridgway American Legion.
In lieu of flowers the family asks donations be made the Alzheimer's Association or any charity of choice. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
You may leave a note of comfort to the family at the Internet site www.coxandson.com