Howard J. “Howie” Raven

He was born June 27, 1949, in Westfield, N.Y., the son of the late George L. and Margaret L. Field Raven.

Howard was a graduate of Sherman Central School class of 1967. After graduating, he enlisted in the U.S.Marine Corps. He was a veteran of the Viet Nam War and was honorable discharged due to a combat injury. Soon after returning Howard met the love of his life Rebecca and then started working for the Chautauqua County Highway Department and worked there for 35 years until he retired.

He was a lifetime member of the Findley Lake Volunteer Fire Department, a member of the Olive Lodge 575 F&AM, a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader, a member of the Mayville American Legion, and a life member of the Lake Chautauqua Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8647 in Mayville. He was also a member of the Sherman Chapter of the Sons of Liberty Motorcycle Club.

Howard was an active member of the Sherman Community Church, where he held many hats including serving on the board of trustees and was a deacon. He greatly enjoyed singing in the church choir. Howard had a zest for life and it showed in how he loved his family. community and country.

Howard is survived by his children: Robert (Annie) Tabor and Beth (John) Kaminski, both of Norfolk, Va.. Jason (Soraya) Raven, of Lithia, Fla., and Jeremiah (Molly Brown) Raven, of Sherman, N.Y. ; grandchildren: Alex, Zachary and Spencer Tabor, Casey Kaminski (Joel), Howard T. and Michael Q. Raven, J. Willy Raven and Rebecca A. Raven; great- nephew, Jacob Duckworth, and great-niece, Heather Roper. Also by his brother, Charlie Raven (Luanne).

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Rebecca H. Raven, on Feb. 10, 2017, whom he married June 18, 1971.

Family and friends will be received from 2-4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017, at the Sherman Community Church, 109 Church St. Sherman, N.Y., and after visitation a Olive Lodge F&AM 575 service will be held at 4 p.m., with the funeral service following with Pastor Steve Kilburn, officiating. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Stanley Hose Co, P.O. Box 574, Sherman, N.Y.,or the Findley Lake Fire Department, P.O. Box 158, Findley Lake, N.Y., or the Sherman Community Church 109 Church St., Sherman, N.Y.