Benjamin Campbell "Ben" Raybould

December 25, 2011

Benjamin "Ben" Campbell Raybould, Albuquerque, N.M., died Sunday.

Born in Pottsville, Feb. 21, 1922, he was a son of the late William Arthur and Jane Treasure Thomas Raybould. He was the youngest of four children including William, Harry and Elizabeth.

Ben graduated from Pottsville High School in 1940.

After the attack on Pearl Harbor, he enlisted in the Navy. He was part of the commissioning crew of the aircraft carrier USS Essex and honorably served in the South Pacific as an aviation mechanic second class CC, and also served as an aircraft gunner.

In 1949, Ben moved to New Mexico and worked for the Mountain States Telephone Co. for 35 years. Beginning his employment as a lineman, he ultimately found his niche in the marketing department for commercial and government contracts.

Ben met his future wife, Edith "Ede" Davenport, while singing in the choir at Central United Methodist Church, and they were married on Aug. 5, 1951, at the same church. Ben and Ede shared more than 60 wonderful years together and were blessed with four children and six grandchildren.

Admired for his beautiful tenor voice, Ben was asked numerous times to sing at weddings and funerals and he frequently soloed at both Trinity United Methodist Church and St. John's United Methodist Church.

During the Christmas season, his family especially holds dear the memory of his singing of "Oh Holy Night" at Christmas Eve services. Although Ben loved blessing the Lord and others with his musical giftings, following his retirement he found extraordinary fulfillment in service to others. He was a dedicated volunteer for Meals on Wheels. While his clients were appreciative of warm meals, they were more appreciative of his endearing laugh, warm conversation and untiring kindness. Ben also gave of his time and energy to install Life Lines for Presbyterian Hospital and volunteer at the Pioneer Telephone Company Museum.

Before his health declined, he was an active member of the Men's Group at St. John's.

Ben was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. Those who knew him cherished him and will forever hold his memory and noble example of generous living close to their hearts.

Ben is survived by his beloved wife, Ede; his children, David and Linda Raybould, and their daughters, Megan and Kathryn, Mark Raybould, Bob and Heidi Raybould, and their daughters, Kelsey and Kendra, and Mark and Lisa Dalton, and their children, Mallory and Benjamin. He is also survived by his older sister, Elizabeth; as well as several nephews and nieces, all in Pennsylvania.

Services will be held at St. John's United Methodist Church, 2626 Arizona St. NE, Albuquerque, at 10 a.m. Jan. 28. Private interment will take place in Solano Cemetery, Solano, N.M. Anyone wishing to make a gift in Ben's name is free to choose a charity that is special to the donor. Please visit our online guest book for Ben at www.RememberTheirStory.com. French Funeral Home, Albuquerque, N.M., is in charge of arrangements.