Dwight Lee Raver's Obituary
Dwight Lee Raver, 88, of Decatur, IL, passed away Saturday, July 20, 2013, in Hickory Point Christian Village.
Dwight was born June 28, 1925, in Salem, IL, the son of Willis and Bertha (Tate) Raver. Mr. Raver began his career as an engineer with the Salem Fire Department and later for the Salem Fire Protection District. He worked in this capacity for 13 years and was very instrumental in helping to form the Fire Protection District. He then went to work with the Illinois National Guard as a Battalion Administrative Assistant. He worked at this position at Battalion, Regiment, and Battle Group Level. He then went to State Headquarters and worked as State Personnel Officer for the Army National Guard. He retired as Deputy Director of Personnel in July, 1988 in the Grade of Lieutenant Colonel. He served in WWII with the U.S. Army Engineers in the South Pacific Theatre, New Guinea and the Philippines, from 1943 to 1946 and with the Infantry in Korea from 1952 to 1953. Dwight loved all kinds of sports and especially loved to watch Football and Basketball. He also loved to play Golf. He was a founding member of the Illinois National Guard Association and served as First Vice President Army. He was a member of The National Guard Association, Retired Officer Association, American Legion Post #105, Elks Lodge, and Kiwanis Golden K of Decatur.
He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Marie Brinkoetter-Raver; daughter, Marcia Erickson and husband Dean of Port Ludlow, WA; son, Douglas Raver and wife Marilyn of Decatur; stepsons: Dr. Craig Chaney and wife Peggy of Mattoon, CAPT David Chaney, USN (RET) and wife Juanita of Placitas, NM, LCDR Kevin Stroyeck, USN (RET) and wife Adele of Virginia Beach, VA; stepdaughters: Kathy Stroyeck of Evansville, IN, Sherry Williams and husband Bobby of Alton, IL; several grandchildren and great grandchildren nieces and nephews; brother, Dr. Robert Raver and sister-in-law, Joyce Raver of Salem, IL.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, James Raver.
Funeral liturgy will be 2 pm Wednesday, July 24, 2013 in Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home; visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial with military rites will follow in Graceland Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Our Lady of Lourdes Church.
The family would like to thank the staff at Hickory Point Christian Village and Safe Haven Hospice for their care and compassion.
The Raver family is being served by the Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 2091 N. Oakland Ave. Decatur, IL. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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