Richard Raff

Richard Herbert “Dick” Raff, 63, of West Liberty, Ohio, passed away Sunday, June 28, 2009 in the Green Hills Care Center in West Liberty. He was born in Urbana, Ohio, on August 24, 1945, the son of the late Richard F. and Winifred C. Raff. He is survived by several cousins and many friends.

Dick worked as a farmer from early school days and was involved in 4-H and F.F.A., showing dairy and beef projects at the Logan and Champaign County Fairs. He was a 1963 graduate of West Liberty Salem High School, a member of the West Liberty United Church of Christ, where he served as trustee and was on other church committees. He sang in the church choir, singing with quartets and many solos. Dick sang in the Messiah with the West Liberty Chorus Society, sang with Gemeinschaft Singers, the Resurrection Chorus of Indian Lake, and with the Loganairres Barber Shop Chorus.

Dick worked for Safety Wear, an industrial safety supplier and was a test driver for Transportation Research Center. He served with the Ohio National Guard of Bellefontaine, serving as Sergeant from 1965 to 1971. He was a member of the Woodard-McGovern Post of the American Legion in West Liberty, a member of West Liberty Lions Club since 1974, serving as President and many other offices and committees. He served as Master of Mad River Masonic Lodge #161 of West Liberty, joining in 1966, and was a member of other Masonic bodies including Chapter, Council, and Commandery of Bellefontaine. He was also a Past Patron of the West Liberty Eastern Star. He was a member of the NRA and won several rifle medals, a life time member of the Amateur Trap Shooting Association, where he won a National Title at Vandalia, Ohio and won a singles and two state titles at the Ohio State Shoot.

Dick loved sports and was an avid photographer who took many photos of the athletic high school sports teams and exhibited photographs at the Logan County Fair for many years.

The funeral service will be held at 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, June 30, 2009, at the Kauffman-Eichholtz Funeral Home in West Liberty, with Pastor Will Stackhouse presiding. Calling will be Tuesday from 9:30 A.M. until time of the funeral service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the West Liberty United Church of Christ or the West Liberty Lions Club.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.eichholtzfuneralhome.com

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