James Howard Ansell Raby

James Howard Ansell `Jim` Raby was born February 10, 1939, at Garnett, Kansas. He was the son of Joseph Howard and Carolee I. (Dorsey) Ansell. He lived in Anderson and Franklin Counties in Kansas, until moving to Ottawa, Kansas, in 1949, where he made his home until his death Wednesday, October 29, 2003, at the age of sixty-four years. He graduated from Pomona High School with the class of 1960, Law Enforcement Academy, Hutchinson, Kansas, and Missouri Auction School on August 19, 1983. During high school, Jim was employed by Towner`s Chapel as an ambulance driver and assistant funeral director and after military service, returned to work at Towner`s. In 1967, the ambulance service was turned over to Citizens Ambulance Service, which Jim operated, until purchasing it on March 1, 1968, changing the name to Raby`s Ambulance Service. He sold the service August 31, 1972. Jim then worked nineteen years for the Ottawa Police Department, where he had already served two years as a reserve officer, attaining the rank of Sergeant. He was also a dispatcher, detective and patrolman, until retiring in 1991. He then worked part time for Dengel & Son Mortuary for the last eight years as an assistant funeral director. Jim served in the United States Army from June of 1960 until June of 1963, attaining the rank of E-4. He received the Good Conduct and National Defense Medals. He was stationed two years in Germany and a year in the United States. Jim was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Ottawa, Kansas Peace Officers Association, Boy Scout Troops #127 and #118, Williamsburg-Ottawa Wildlife Club, Ottawa Lodge #18, A.F. & A.M. (Ancient Free & Accepted Masons); Ottawa Council #18 R Ottawa Chapter #7 Tancred Commandery #11 K.T., Scottish Rite, Lawrence; Union Chapter #15, Order of the Eastern Star; Past Master McKinley Lodge #41 from 1966 until 1969, Past District Grand Master from 1972 until 1973, Low Twelve Club, Ottawa Lodge #18, Warren Black Post #60, American Legion, and Aerie Lodge #2700, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Ottawa. Jim was a dedicated man. He was dedicated to his church, participating in many activities and always ready to help, including serving as head dishwasher at church functions, as well as at home. He was dedicated to his country and named soldier of the month while serving in the Army in Germany. He was dedicated to the many organizations he actively participated in, and, he was dedicated to his family. A devoted husband and father, Jim greatly enjoyed his family, watching his grandchildren`s activities and taking them on yearly vacations. He also liked to go camping at the lake and enjoyed auctions and garage sales, collecting stamps and coins and railroad memorabilia. On November 22, 1960, Jim was united in marriage with Charlotte F. Love at Ottawa, Kansas. She survives of their home. He is also survived by two sons, James H. Raby, Jr., and his wife, Betty, of Richmond, Kansas, Christopher S. Raby and his wife, Kelly, of Ottawa; two sisters, Alice Maye Chambers and her husband, Warren, of Pomona, Kansas, Marilyn Andres and her husband, Richard, of Iola, Kansas; two grandsons, Bridger and Jeremy Raby; and three granddaughters, Amanda Raby, Mykenna Hadl Raby and Camille Raby. He is preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, Norman Raby; stepmother, Lillian Ansell; daughter, Cheryl Ann Raby; and two brothers, Charles N. Raby and Norman Raby, Jr. SERVICES: Funeral services will be held from Dengel & Son Mortuary 10:00 a.m. Monday, November 3, 2003. OFFICIATING CLERGY: Rev. Francis Stockton and Rev. Harriett Bechtle. IN STATE: Mr. Raby will lie in state after 1:00 p.m. Saturday at the Dengel & Son Mortuary, where the family will meet with friends 3 to 4:00 p.m. Sunday. CEMETERY: Woodlawn Cemetery, Pomona, Kansas, with Military Honors by Ft. Riley Honor Guard and Masonic Services by Ottawa Lodge #18, A.F. & A.M. MEMORIALS: Memorial contributions may be made to Shriner Children`s Hospital or Boy Scout Troop #118, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary 235 S. Hickory in Ottawa, Kansas 66067.