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Paul Rager Obituary
BARBERTON -- Paul Thomas Rager, beloved husband, father and pappa, was swiftly called away to Heaven's garden, at his spry age of 61, on April 15th, 2009, to work in God's lumberyard.
Born in Johnstown Pa., he moved to Akron, Ohio as a child, the first born child of Betty Jane and Paul J. Rager, Sr. After graduating from Central High School, he proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps. After returning home with an Honorable Discharge, he met his wife at the Apostolic Faith Assembly, where he remained a faithful member for over 38 years. Paul was honored to work on the addition of the church and the building fund "Vision 2000" was especially dear to his heart. He enjoyed playing on the church baseball team, horseshoes, watching Star Trek, and bicycle rides with daughter and Pappa's girl to Durbins ice cream; one whose tea will be missed by many, and a love for Lays chips, Werther's, and loads of mashed potatoes. He enjoyed calling his mother-in- law every evening to do the Jumble and Word Game puzzles. One with old fashioned ethics, he believed in never missing work at Graves Lumber and helping his wife deliver Beacon Journal papers.
A soul mate, companion and confidant for almost 37 years, he will be greatly missed and forever in my heart. A devoted, caring and loving father who was wrapped around our finger, or at least you let us think you were. An Extra Special Pappa who will be missed much. Pappa's Girl says:
Dear Pappa, we miss you and wish you was here and I wish you could see how I miss to play and make funny faces to you. I cry now that you're gone, but you're not gone from my heart. You're the center of my heart and always and never ever stay away. I wish you could see how much I grow now. Love, Your Girl.
Paul leaves memories and lingering love to his loving wife, Linda Lee Rager; devoted children, Charles Rager of Fresno, Calif., Naveylee Faith (Matthew) Sayre of Barberton, Ohio; grandaughter, Miranda Sayre (Love of his life) of Barberton, Ohio; mother-in-law, Naveylee Reel of Barberton; brothers, Kenneth (Linda) Rager of Akron, Ohio, Harry (Michelann) Rager of Ravenna, Ohio; sisters, Othella Dolly (David) Elkins and Victoria Lynn Rager, both of Mesa, Arizona; nieces, Stephanie Rager of Ravenna, Ohio, Jennifer (Stephen) McVay of Calif.; nephews, Jeffrey (Jamie) Rager, Michael and Matthew Rager, all of Akron, Ohio.
Paul will be resting beside "Pap" Eugene Reel until greeted in heaven's garden by his awaiting parents, Betty Jane and Paul J. Rager Sr.; grandparents, Ethel and Thomas Morgan, Jenny Rager Cramer and William Rager, and Lula G. Weaver.
Family and friends may come to share memories from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 19, 2009 at Cox Funeral Home, 222 Norton Ave., Barberton, Ohio. Funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Monday, April 20, 2009 at Apostolic Faith Assembly, 1717 W. Turkeyfoot Lake Rd. (Rt.619), Barberton, Ohio. Graveside interment will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Apostolic Faith Assembly, in memory of Paul Rager, Vision 2000 Building Fund. "Life hasn't ended, its just changed"
(COX, BARBERTON 330-745-3311)
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Memories and Condolences
for Paul Rager
Sponsored by Linda, Faith, Miranda, Mom Lee.
Linda Rager
April 25, 2019
Rager, our baby girl is about to graduate from college May 18, 2019. I know you would be so very proud of her. She has gone thru many things in these years, but thru it all she has continually achieved good grades, on the deans and presidents list and I am so very proud of her and her accomplishments. Miranda misses you greatly, as she did the day you passed. I have learned that life must go on and I am happy. Im sure Faith will miss you on graduation day, as she does often. Just wanting ya to know how proud of our little girl I am.
Jo
November 29, 2009
Linda and family,
Just a little note to let you all know that I think of you often and know how hard this is for you all. Paul was a good man a good father and a good husband. At least you know that and you have wonderful memories that will always be with you. It is not the same I know but those memories will help you throughout your sorrow and your long healing process. Keep your faith. I love you linda and miss you very much.
your pain in the butt Tri-Chem associate and most of all your friend
Jo
ps. Warren sends a big hug ((((( )))))
Linda
October 15, 2009
Hon, here it is 6 months later. Life has NOT gotten easier, my world is upside down, my heart still breaks daily, my soulmate is missing in my life, I'm breathing in and out...and feel like I'm in limbo. This is still so unbelievable, unreal, and just awful. I think of you all the time, and talking to you gives me a touch of comfort. All are doing great to try and be here for me, but we all miss you dearly and will forever.
Loving you still and forever! Just Me
Linda
October 6, 2009
Hon, they say time will heal, but here I am and I still hurt as much if not more than I did the day you passed. Life is upside down, I am lost without you. Althought I talk to you daily, its nice to come here to your book every so often. I'm doing my best, but as I tell you daily, this is so unfair, unexpected and unbelievable. Wish I could just hug you, and talk, theres so much wellllll you know, just confused, for a lack of a better word. I still wear your ring, have ever since we took it from your finger. You are in our daily thoughts, prayers and chats. We never will forget you, you are in our hearts eternally. Hugggs and We still love and miss you. Just Me
Linda
July 9, 2009
Hon,
I sure miss you, your hugs, soft touch of your hand on my sholder when passing by, our talks, and just seeing you in your chair. Today was especially hard for me, my life is so hard at times, every day is so difficult, so much to do and get done still, I cant believe there is so much to take care of still.
Mom said to tell you in your book, that she sure misses you. We cry together, but trying to be there for each other, and Faith and Miranda. You sure would have been surprised to know all who cared, they still call about you.
Well its time to dry up this flood thats occuring often, and try to find whatever it takes to get thru another day without you. I dont mean to question the Lord, but i sure hope He has a great explanation for me someday. For now I rely on our love, memories, and Faith, Miranda, and Mom to give me strength. Its even hard to pray lately, but God knows all. You will be thankful to know, daddys girl has asked me to go with her to sunday school. She says its what SHE wants to do this time. It sure will be trying to go and you not there, but I know you will be with us.
For now, I will close again, and still loving you forever and holding you ever so close in my heart.
Just Me
Faith Sayre
June 22, 2009
Hey dad,
Matt & I went to your grave yesterday for Fathers Day. We took flowers and Matt put them at your feet to make them smell better. I went to the doctor. He said I lost the twins. I was hoping you would put in a good word for me, but I guess it just wasn't meant to be this time. I'm ready to give up trying & just tell the doctor to take it all. I still look for you to knock on the door with flowers, but I guess that's not meant to be anymore either. I miss you so very much!!! You were always there to make everything better. I have the picture we took when Miranda was born on my computer, of you & Matt with me holding Miranda. Well I guess I better get off here and dry my face.
I love & miss you,
Your babygirl
"Daddy's Girl" May 10, 1997
May 28, 2009
"Our love is eternal"
May 28, 2009
Linda
May 28, 2009
Hon,
Here I am still thinking of you and missing you so much, I have your pic enlarged on my pc screen, it looks like i can almost touch you, I try and try, but its just not you. I miss your pecks on my cheeks each morning when you should be going to work, the touch of your hand your arms around me when i need your hug, I'm trying so hard to hold up for Faith, Miranda and mom. I'm doing ok but only you know how much I miss you. I hide my tears, thinking it will make me strong, how wrong that is. As you can see me now, I'm very weak, cheeks very wet with tears for you. You were gone so sudden, theres so much I would like to have let you know. You were my world, my life, my soulmate. We were one as a couple for almost 37 years of my 57 years of life. My heart secretly breaks a little more each day, when i look around and you're not walking in the door, calling to see what i need from the store, ect. But I will regain myself, find a smile, and try to pretend Im ok when others are around, but you will know my heart. It is yours forever, and I'm glad I can come to your book and talk with you as I so often do here. So for now it's time to dry these tears, and go on with whats left of my life. I try to make it meaningful with Faith, Miranda, mom, sissys and all, but will never be the same without you. So for today, I just needed to be here with you and tell ya, you are always in my heart today, tomorrow and forever. Our love is eternal. Still loving you,
Just Me
Edward Black lll
May 13, 2009
My heart still prays for you and your family....I wrote this poem and hope it helps you and your family through such a painful time......
Unconditional Love
A light showed up around you today
with a soft whisper it began to say
we listen to your every thought
what has appeal and what has not
we watch what direction you go
we show you things we want you to know
if you ever have reason to fear
we will always be oh so near
if you ever just want to talk
find a quite place and take a walk
we will see a spark in your eyes glisten
as we are there to listen
always know in your heart from above
we are with you with an unconditional love
Edward Black(nil)
Pappas girl and Pappa, "Our last grandparents day"
May 8, 2009
brad magill
May 5, 2009
im sorry to hear that paul had passed away but i do know that hes in a better place. i had the oppertunity to work with paul when it was called buy-rite lumber.he built the loads and i delivered them. he will be missed here but i know god has a better plan for him now god bless to the family of paul and may god be with all of you brad
"Our love is eternal"
"Just me"
May 3, 2009
Laura,Tom,Family Dixson
May 2, 2009
I had just got a phone call today from my sister April saying Uncle Paul had passed on the 15th. My thoughts and prayers are with you Aunt Linda and family. Had i have known i would have been there to pay my respects. I hope you find in your heart to forgive me.
Uncle Paul will be missed alot, and im very sorry for everyones lose. I miss all of you and I LOVE ALL OF YOU.
Bash
April 30, 2009
Dear Linda, Faith and Miranda, Words are never enough when going through something this painful and sudden. I feel so lucky to have had the limited contact I had with Paul. It always put a smile on my face to talk to him even if he was in the back ground. I would have loved to have met him in person on this side but even more so I am looking forward to meeting him in Heaven. Please know my prays are with each of you as you go through the pain of such a great loss. If there is ever anything I can do please let me know.
Faith Sayre
April 29, 2009
Dad, until recently I didn't know of what to write because I missed you SO MUCH!!! I was given a poem that reminds me of you..
Safely Home
I am home in heaven, dear ones.
Oh, so happy and so bright!
There is a perfect joy and beauty
in the everlasting light.
All the pain and grief is over,
every restless tossing passed;
I am now at peace forever,
safely home in heaven at last.
There is work still waiting for you,
so you must not idly stand,
do it now, while life remaineth ~~
You shall rest in God's own land.
When that work is all completed.
He will gently call you Home;
Oh, the rapture of that meeting.
Oh, the joy to see you come!
This poem for me answered a big lingering question in my head... What does a daddy's girl do when her daddy is gone? So for now, my steps are small and I will ALWAYS miss you so. You were so many things to me... my father, school work tutor, bike buddy, delivery man (flowers, groceries etc..), softball catcher and many many other things we did together. I took Miranda on a bike ride to Durbin's today, in your honor. So until that rapture meeting I will be here taking small steps and caring for mom.
Your in my heart FOREVER.. love your baby girl
Vicki Rager
April 29, 2009
To my big brother Paul, I love and miss you.
Dolly & David Elkins
April 29, 2009
Our warmest thoughts and prayers be with the rest of the family. My brother was a kind and thoughtful man, always ready to give a helpful hand, no job was to big or small, Paul, always gave his all. He will be dearly missed. I wish I could have seen Mom and Dad faces as you walked through Heaven's Gate. I know they welcome you with open arms and pure Love. Rest easy my brother. Love your Sister Dolly & Brother-in-law David
Andy & Mary Anne Drobnak
April 26, 2009
Please accept out sympathy in the sudden loss of your father, pappa, husband or family friend. Our prayers are for you and Paul. May he rest in peace.
Your neighbors on East Cassell. Andy and Mary Anne
Chris Stottlemyer
April 23, 2009
Of the 7yrs. I worked with Paul I'll always remember he always had a joke to tell,(and you always took forever to tell it!). The pocket full of candy, and his big smile. Paul was a worker who showed up everyday ready to go and ready to lend a hand. God's Speed my friend. I'm really gonna miss ya.
April 21, 2009
Linda and family
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Laura Rowland, Rottiect_pmtd
bill doner
April 21, 2009
linda he has gone to our father in heaven to wait for you.have peace in your mind tha he didn't sufer.mr50merc
Chris Dalton
April 21, 2009
Linda, Paul was a wonderful man. The thing I remember most about him is the deep and devoted love he had for you. Franky enjoyed playing horseshoes with him. He will greatly be missed by so many. Your loss is great. But heavens gain even more so. Know that you and your family will remain in our prayers. And sending you our love from West Virginia. Chris and Franky
My Beloved Husband Paul, myself Linda, daughter Faith, pappa's girl Miranda "Forever in our hearts"
April 21, 2009
Kenneth Hymes
April 21, 2009
Paul was one of the most mild manner individuals I had the privilege of working around.We spoke just about everyday.And no matter how people treated him he kept a good attitude.Very hard to do for most people.He will be missed.My deepest condolences to his wife,Linda,and family.Semper Fi Paul and rest in peace.
April 19, 2009
Aunt faith, Uncle matt, Miranda& Linda. I am very sorry for your loss. I love you all and hope you know I am here for any of you. Call me anytime day or night. Paul was a good man and will be missed. love, cindy, rick & family
Maryann Davis
April 19, 2009
Kenny & family, It's always hard to lose a loved one. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. You know I am there if you need me.
Love,
Betty Gebhardt
April 19, 2009
Kenny and Family, So sorry for the loss of your brother. He will always be remembered in our hearts. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Telly Shearer
April 19, 2009
I am very sorry to hear about Pauls' passing. My deepest condolences are with each and every family member and friend. Unfortunately I didnt get the chance to speak with Paul for the last few months. He will always be remembered in my mind as "Ze Paul: The Legend." My thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless and Rest In Peace.
Frank Graham
April 19, 2009
Paul was a great guy to work with. He always said we were the last of the old school workers. He was one of the good guys always willing to help a man out. He will be deeply missed. My prayers are with you.
Jo Church
April 19, 2009
Linda and family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your loving husband,father and pappa. You are all in my prayers. I will miss Pauls' wonderful smile and humor most of all. I grieve with you Linda and know that even though I can't be there to offer a hug know that you are on my mind. The Good Lord will give you the comfort and strength to endure. Warren sends his heartfelt sympathy to you and wants you to know that he would give you a BIG hug. We love you
Jo and Warren
Duane Carter II
April 19, 2009
Bro. Paul was a great man. I will surely miss him. My prayers go out to the family. He will always be my horseshoe partner.
Martha & Frank Hartley
April 18, 2009
Uncle Paul was such a wonderful person. Honorable in the way he lived, faithful to his wife, family and Church. The perfect example of a true Family Man. He always had a smile for everyone and he will be terribly missed by all who knew him.
Tom & Darla Hymes
April 18, 2009
In the short time we came to know Paul we found him to be a very warm and friendly man. He will be missed. Our prayers are with his family
Marianne Hunt
April 18, 2009
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Diana Shultz (Petty)
April 18, 2009
Linda and family,
Sorry to hear of your loss. I will be thinking of you.
Love
Diana
Michael and Ursula McAtee
April 18, 2009
Uncle Paul will always be in our hearts. He was truly a good man with a great big smile. He will be missed by many.
Linda Rager
April 18, 2009
Good Morning Hon,
I loved you deeply and that will never change. Your life has not ended, it has just changed. You will forever remain with me, in my heart throughout eternity. So as our lives have changed, they they will never end. We will be together again. We said till death do us part, yet still you fill my heart. I truly do love you forever!
Your beloved wife of almost 37 years.
Loving you still.
"Just Me"
Sheryl Trent
April 18, 2009
I enjoyed working with Paul @ Graves Lumber. He was very kind & thoughtful. He will be missed by many!
My prayers go out to the family.
Chad Wiencek
April 17, 2009
Simple, sweet, hard-working. That is what I learned durring the few years I worked with Paul. I admire his strength and dedication.
My deepest sympathy to his family.
Michael Green
April 17, 2009
Know that you are in our prayers. Paul was always ready with a warm smile and a hand to lend in with any job.
Nancy Klatte
April 17, 2009
Linda & Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. May your memories bring you comfort.
Vance & Pam Deal
April 17, 2009
Just a word to let you know we are thinking of you. Paul was a great guy to work with.
Steve and Shay Burwell
April 17, 2009
For all of the family, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Paul was an intelligent, thinking and praying man. We will miss him.
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