Friday, October 15, 2021

David Raihl


(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

David M. Raihl was born in Stouchsburg, Pennsylvania on November 30, 1935 to Elizabeth (Bessie) Raihl (Bashore) & Harry Barton Raihl.

He graduated from Womelsdorf High School in 1953. David worked at a number of jobs before finding his career path in the oil industry with Atlantic Richfield Corporation in 1966. His career took David and his Family from Pennsylvania to Independence, Kansas in 1975, and on to Valdez, Alaska in 1977, where he served as one of the original crew of controllers on the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. 

In 1986, he was promoted to a position in Anchorage, where he and June remained until he retired in 1994. Soon after his retirement, David and June and cat, Willie, took their RV and headed South. They reached Joplin in November 1994, where they lived since.








David met June Yerger in February of 1955, when they were both employed at the Berkshire Knitting Mills. They were married November 30 of that same year. Together, David & June spent 65 years of married life together on an adventure that saw them raise three children & move to four different states. Through their years together, David & June helped with myriad community and church activities, from Boy & Girl Scouts, volunteer construction projects, to recovery support groups, among many others. David & June were longtime members of St. Paul’s Methodist Church of Joplin, where he sang in the choir. David also spent many wonderful hours volunteering with a number of programs at St. Paul’s; especially close to David’s heart was the Ascent Program.

David enjoyed nearly every sport imaginable, but he was first and foremost a baseball enthusiast. He was a solid pitcher in his youth, coached many teams, and loved watching every level and league of baseball. He was a lifelong fan of the Boston Red Sox, and particularly admired Ted Williams.

David is survived by his wife, June; children Deena, Lisa, and Ted; grandchildren Lily, Harry, and Sadie; numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bessie & Harry; sisters Verda & Darlene, and brothers Daniel, Dale, Richard, and Luke.

The Family wishes to thank the many friends and family members who visited David & June or who sent cards or called. The family also wishes to express deep gratitude to Solace House of the Ozarks and Compassus Hospice for their support and assistance during David’s final days.

The Family requests that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to Ascent Recovery Residences or Solace House of the Ozarks:
(https://ascentrecovery.org/financial-support/ ) (https://www.solacehouseoftheozarks.com/support-solace-house )

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