Michael W. Raber

Michael W. Raber, 52, of Parkersburg, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2009, at his residence surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Parkersburg, a son of the late John Carl and Joyce Sue Bailey Raber.

Mike was a 1974 graduate of Parkersburg South High School and attended Marshall University, where he was a member of Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity. He was a member of the PSHS wrestling boosters and especially enjoyed coaching youth baseball. He was co-owner in 1994 of the Ohio Valley Redcoats baseball team, where he made life long friends from around the world. Mike, along with his wife, Jennifer, established and operated Liberty Record Search for 17 years. He was Baptist by faith.

He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Jennifer Lynn Beaty Raber; two sons, Jacob M. Raber and wife, Nicole, and Justin M. Raber, all of Parkersburg; four brothers, John A. Raber of Little Hocking, Robert L. Raber of Parkersburg, Donally R. Raber of Washington and Steven R. Raber of Price, Utah; two granddaughters, Alexandria Lynn Raber and Olivia Jayne Raber; several nieces and nephews; his foreign exchange daughter, Heike Freiderichs of Reidstadt, Germany; and his German Shepherd, "Duke."

A celebration of life service will be 1 p.m. Saturday at the Baptist Temple, 19th Street and Park Avenue, Parkersburg, with Pastor Larry Dale officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service Saturday at the church.

Those considering an expression of sympathy are asked to direct memorials to the Wood County Society for Handicapped and Disabled Children, 521 Market Street, Box 19, Parkersburg, WV 26101, or Baptist Temple, 1825 Park Avenue, Parkersburg, WV 26101.

The Vaughan Funeral Home, Parkersburg, is assisting the family with arrangements.

A guestbook for sharing online condolences is available at www.vaughanfh.com