Ervin A. Raber

BRINKHAVEN- Ervin Andrew Raber joined his Lord and Savior on April 10th, 2024 at The Ohio State University Hospital in Columbus.

He was born on September 15th, 1944, to Andrew and Lucinda Raber. Aside from the day Jesus saved him, the best day of his life was his wedding day to Mary (Cline) Raber on September 16th, 1966. Ervin and Mary were the template of a beautiful marriage. They were known for dispensing relationship advice, such as never going to bed angry, saying ‘I love you’ often, and occasionally “forgetting” to replace the hearing aid batteries. Ervin had the best laugh that made you want to keep the jokes coming just so he wouldn’t stop.

Ervin was a lifelong woodsman and built a successful lumber company. His grandchildren know how to bait a hook and clean a fish because of Grandpa’s many patient lessons by the pond. He loved to be outside and was hardly ever seen indoors during daylight hours. His log cabin became a homebase for the many hunters who enjoyed his property (and Mary’s delicious homecooked meals and baked goods!). Their cozy home was always open to anyone who needed fellowship and good food, or even just a warm cup of coffee on the front porch. He was also an avid fan of Garaway basketball, where he was a courtside staple as he cheered on his grandsons.

He attended Gospel Hill Ministry. One of his favorite scriptures was 3 John 1:4, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” He raised his family to know the Lord and love His Word, and he leaves behind generations of believers who follow in his faithful footsteps.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children: Brenda (Phil) Gebhardt, Amy Roden, Kim (Joe Ollis) Raber, and Brandon (Crystal) Raber; grandchildren: Elle (Evan) Tyger, Sam (Abby) Gebhardt, Phillip Gebhardt, Ethan (Morgan Metzger) Roden, Brandon (Emma) Raber, Andrew (Riley Loeber) Raber, Alexander Roden (Olivia Immel), Brady Roden, Adelle Raber, Reid Vallee, and Ian Raber; and great-grandchildren: Victoria Raber, Weston Gebhardt, Benson Tyger, and Gwendolyn Raber. We all rest in the knowledge that we will be reunited in heaven.

The words of his favorite hymn, I Am Resolved, perfectly sum up his life and his eternity: “I am resolved no longer to linger, charmed by the world’s delight; things that are higher, things that are nobler, these have allured my sight. I will hasten to Him, hasten so glad and free; Jesus, greatest, highest, I will come to Thee.”

Friends may call on the family at Fischer Funeral Home, 412 E. Main St. Warsaw, OH 43844 on Friday, April 12th from 6-8 p.m., and also prior to the funeral service which will be held 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 13th at Gospel Hill Ministry, 27610 Township Road 45, Warsaw, OH 43844. Pastor Ron Davis will officiate. A live stream of the service will be available at service time on Ervin’s obituary page at the funeral home website, www.fischerfuneralhome.com. A fellowship meal will follow at the church. Graveside committal services will take place at 2:30 p.m. in the Abundant Life Church Cemetery (formerly Gray Ridge) 7489 Township Road 103 Millersburg, OH 44654.

Memorial donations are suggested to Gospel Hill Ministry.