Obituary of Amon Burnie Raburn

January 16, 1927 – April 24, 2018

Amon B. Raburn, Age 91 of Brownstown

Beloved husband of the late Pearl Raburn. Loving father of Frank (Kathy) Raburn, Jerry (Bette) Raburn, Earney (Pat) Raburn, and Belinda (John) Young. Dearest grandfather of Lydia (Kurt) Mathas, Frank Raburn, Jeremy Raburn, Ashley Raburn, and Angela Young. Great grandfather of Kamden, Beckett, and Emmaline Mathas. Dear brother of Marie (Paul) Aleshire. Preceded in death by grandson Andrew Raburn.

 FAMILY TRIBUTE

Our father, Amon Burnie Raburn, was born on January 16, 1927 in Cullman County, Alabama where his father, Chesley Homer Raburn and his mother, Birdie Leigh Long had settled after moving west from Carrol County, Georgia.  Dad grew up on a farm where his family raised vegetables that they sold at market.  His childhood was spent doing chores, fishing, hunting and playing baseball.  He attended Holly Pond Elementary school through the 8^th grade.

In 1944, dad along with many young courageous patriots of that era, enlisted in the service of their country to fight in World War II.  As a Seaman 2^nd Class in the US Navy, dad served aboard the USS Lexington aircraft carrier in the Pacific Theatre of War.  His ship and crew were involved in battles in the Philippines, Marshall Islands, Wake, Okinawa, and Japan as well as other island campaigns that helped to defeat the enemy in the Pacific.  He was discharged from active service in 1946 on his 19^th birthday. 

He married Pearl Howard in 1950 and they left Alabama for the bustle and employment opportunities in the north settling in Detroit.  Dad worked at several jobs as a machinist in small shops learning skills that would serve him well as an employee of Ford Motor Company. He enjoyed a 35 year career at the Ford Livonia Transmission plant working first as a machinist and then as a job setter and gauge repairman.  He retired in 1992 and began his retirement goal of ridding Lake Erie of walleye. 

Mom and dad loved each other and their children and grandchildren through over 58 years of marriage until mom departed to be with the Lord in 2009.  Some of his happiest times were spent caring for his grandchildren and, as they grew older, watching them participate in sporting events, recitals, and school and church performances. 

Dad was a faithful follower of Christ and active in their church, first in Ecorse and then in Woodhaven where he served as a church Deacon and as Superintendent of the Sunday school.

Some of our fondest memories of dad are playing catch after work, having him coach our Little League teams, fishing with him, watching his excitement as we made memories on family vacations, and observing him as he modeled what a Christian husband and father should be.  He was a man of faith, love, integrity, peace, patriotism, and honor. We are thankful to have been brought up by him and our mom and rest in the comfort that they are happily worshipping their Lord and Savior.

We love you, Dad!