Paul Alvis Rauth

Paul Alvis Rauth Marshall Paul Alvis Rauth, 77, died at his home in Marshall, Michigan September 23rd surrounded by his family after a hard fight with cancer. Paul and his family were also summer residents of a very old family cottage in the Congregational Summer Assembly, Frankfort, Michigan and for several years he and his wife lived at Michigan Shores Cooperative in Frankfort. Paul was born June 4, 1931 in Oak Park, Illinois to Paul Adam Rauth and Claire (Davis) Rauth. He graduated from Oak Park River Forest High School, attended Stout Institute in Wisconsin, graduated from Western Michigan (then) College in Kalamazoo. He served two years in the army then taught industrial arts, driver education and coached tennis in the Marshall Public Schools, retiring in 1986. He always remembered his teaching colleagues, former students and tennis players with great joy. On August 30, 1952 Paul was joined in marriage to Frances Nethercut at the Fair Oaks Presbyterian Church in Oak Park, IL. They moved to Marshall in 1956. From 1961-1964 Paul and Fran served as teachers and houseparents at the Kodaikanal School in South India under the sponsorship of the United Church Board for World Ministries and with added support from the First Presbyterian Church of Marshall. After retirement Paul continued playing tennis winning many tournaments "up north", his trophies adorning the fireplace mantel. He spent happy times on his Bucchaneer sailboat, "The Plowshares" on Crystal Lake. Paul also served as volunteer guide on the carferry SS City of Milwaukee. In Marshall he was a member of Exchange Club, served as a Big Brother and presented yearly woodworking programs for Creative Kids and delivered Mobile Meals. He was an enthusiastic member of Benzie Amateur Radio Friends, WB8BPO, his call sign. As a telephone historian and collector, Paul developed a CD and instructional materials which are used by collectors nationwide. He was a strong supporter and member of Veterans for Peace. His greatest love was for his family: his wife Fran; his children, Glenway Warren Rauth (Kelly) of Traverse City, Margaret Noel Brown and Paul Frederick Rauth of Marshall; and his beloved granddaughters, Selena and Celia Brown of Marshall, all of whom survive him. He maintained close ties with his sisters, Phyllis Sells (Ray) of Nashville TN and Frances Crumpler (Kim) of Louisville KY and their families who also survive him. The Rauth Family reunion in Boonville, Indiana was a highlight each year for him. Paul belonged to Trinity Episcopal Church in Marshall, and was a friend of St. Philip's Episcopal in Beulah, Michigan. Visitation will take place at the Craig K. Kempf Funeral Home on Friday from 2-8 p.m. with family present to greet friends from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Funeral services celebrating his life will be held at the Trinity Episcopal Church in Marshall on Saturday, September 27th at 11 am. Family requests memorial contributions to Exchange Club Programs to Prevent Child Abuse. Assistance with memorials is available at the Kempf Funeral Home. Leave a personal message for the family and sign the online guest book at www. kempffuneralhome.com