MERLE G. RABER, 79, of Augusta, Kansas, passed away Friday evening, May 31, 2013 at his home,

Born on December 17, 1933 in Eureka, Kansas, he was the son of Paul Dale and Margaret (Huffman) Raber. He was raised and received his education in Roxbury and McPherson, Kansas. He graduated from Roxbury High School in 1951. He later attended McPherson College.

Merle was united in marriage to Phyllis Scott on March 13, 1954 in McPherson where the couple made their first home. He was employed for Halliburton in Pratt, Kansas and later Beechcraft and Boeing Aircraft in Wichita. In 1970, he began employment with Protection Services where he was a manager in Wichita and later New Orleans, Lousiana and retired in 1977 . In 1996, Merle returned to the work force and was employed at Winfield Motor Company until January 2012.

Mr. Raber served in the Kansas National Guard for 10 years as a sergeant. He was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene in Winfield. He enjoyed traveling including senior bus trips and gambling. He also enjoyed working for Larry and visiting friends at Winfield Motors, and spoiling his dog, Sugar and cat, Pepper.

His family includes:
His sons: Larry Raber and wife Kathy of Augusta, KS; Kenneth Raber and wife Tina of Olathe, KS; and Kelly Raber and wife Linda of Topeka, KS;
His grandchildren: Jeffrey Raber, Ryan Raber, Rebecca (Raber) Brewer and husband Adam and Kori Raber; and
His great-grandchild Brewer due in December 2013.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Barbara Hubule.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M., Wednesday, June 5, 2013 at the First Church of the Nazarene in Winfield. Inurnment services will take place at a later date at the Augusta Elmwood Cemetery. Friends may call at Miles Funeral Service in Winfield, Tuesday evening, June 4, 2013 from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M.

Memorials have been established in Mr. Raber's name for the Pulmonary Fibrosis Association and the Amedisys Hospice in Wichita. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.