Dec. 3, 1935 - July 21, 2023
David R. Raabe was the eighth of 11 children of William and Louise (Tipp) Raabe, born at the family farm on Dec. 3, 1935. He attended Weimar ISD. In high school, he lettered in football, basketball, baseball and track, and was a member of the FFA. After graduation in 1954, he operated the farm for several years after his father’s tractor accident.
He served in the U.S. Army for two years, being stationed in Fort Carson, Colorado; Fort Knox, Kentucky; and Fort Benning, Georgia. After his basic training, he worked as an Army clerk; he even typed up his own discharge papers.
David’s trucking career started with hauling eggs for McCall Sanders. Once he purchased his own rig, he leased independently for 15 years. During that time, he and his brother, Howard, drove cross country. He had over two million miles driven (with no chargeable accidents). Later, he worked as a car hauler and heavy equipment operator. David made many friends through the years and always took pride in his work.
On June 26, 1965, he married the love of his life, Margaret J. Otto. They were blessed with two daughters, Sherise and Sharon. David liked to play cards and dominoes, as well as enjoyed hunting and fishing. He liked games with his grandsons. David and Howard loved coffee and jelly bread snacks.
David is survived by his wife of 58 years, Margaret; daughters, Sherise R. Davis and Glenn, and Sharon E. Jochen and David. He was Papa to grandsons, Jared Davis and Chantel, Jaston Davis and Sarah, Jamison Davis, Colby Jochen and Caleb Jochen. His five great-grandchildren are Adison, Brandt, Rylynn, Rhett and Grady. He is also survived by his two sisters, Faye Stech, and Esther Harrison and James; sister-in-law, Molly Raabe; brotherin- law, Melvin Otto and Mary; and 11 nieces and nephews and their families, along with several cousins.
David was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Edwin and Dorothy, William and Ellen, Howard, Bennie, Paul and Eugene Raabe; sisters, Leona Beck and Herbert, and Aline Caraway and James; brother-in-law, Gilbert Stech; and nephew, Tom Raabe.
If desired, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Faith Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 216, Weimar, TX 78962 or Hospice Brazos Valley, 1048 N. Jefferson, La Grange, TX 78945.
A private family memorial will be held at a later date.