Elmer Henry Raber

1936 - 2017

Raber, Elmer Henry On Saturday February 4, 2017, Elmer Henry Raber passed away of natural causes with his family beside him. Elmer was born on Saturday March 28, 1936, to Ralph and Kathryn Raber in Santa Ana, CA. His education was at St. John's of Orange for elementary and middle school followed by Orange High School, which he graduated in 1955. His siblings are Kathryn Thomsen (deceased), Bonnie Reisen and James Raber.
Elmer was drafted in the Army from 1957 to 1959 (active duty), 1959 to 1963 (inactive duty) during the beginning of Vietnam. After his Honorable Discharge he married Gloria Field at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Santa Ana, CA on August 22, 1959. During their marriage, Thomas H. Raber and Timothy A. Raber (deceased) arrived to complete their family.
On August 25, 1980, Elmer married Lucy Zavala at St. Polycarp Catholic Church in Stanton, CA. He had an instant family with Monica Zavala and Pep Zavala. Robert Raber arrived shortly later to complete their family.
Elmer had a long involvement in law enforcement from 1959 till his retirement in 2000. With over 30 years dedicated to the American Legion Post 555 and later Post 266. Elmer held every position numerous times as will as Sgt-At-Arms for the 29th District. His goal was to help the veterans who have fought for our freedom. He also was invited to be a member of the Forty and Eight Club. A life member of the Moose Lodge since 1963.
Elmer Henry Raber is survived by his wife Lucy Raber of 36 years; son, Thomas H. Raber; daughter, Monica Marcum and Dwayne; son, Pep Zavala and Janine and son, Robert Raber. Elmer's siblings are Bonnie Reisen and Bill; and James Raber and Debbie. He also had 14 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Elmer's last request was black not to be worn at his service. His favorite color was blue.
On Wednesday February 22, 2017, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm will be the viewing and from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm a Rosary to be held at the Westminster Memorial Park Mortuary located at 14801 Beach Blvd, Westminster, CA 92683
On Thursday February 23, 2017, at 10:30 am will be the Memorial Service at Riverside National Cemetery located at 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518. (Please arrive 1 hour before due to the policy of the grounds and allow for major traffic delay due to the construction on the 91 Freeway.)
Following the Memorial Service there will be a reception from 1:00 pm to 5:30 pm to be held at the American Legion Post 555 located at 14582 Beach Blvd, Midway City, CA 92655.