David Raven died early Friday morning February 24, 2017 in Austin, Texas. He was 83 years old.
Dave grew up in Marion and was an active and vital part of the Marion community for over 60 years before moving to Ft. Myers, Florida in 2000. A successful and compassionate businessman, Dave owned what was then the Raven Funeral Home (now Raven-Choate Funeral Home), founded by his father Lewis Raven, overseeing its move and expansion of the operation and serving generations of families during their times of grief and need. He was active in numerous civic, fraternal and philanthropic organizations, and held leadership positions on many including: First United Methodist Church, YMCA, Kiwanis Club, Boy Scouts of America, the Masonic Order, and Marion Community Foundation to name a few. He was also Past President of the Salvation Army Advisory Board and worked to establish Hospice in Marion and Grant County.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Sally of Austin; children, Karen Raven (Bill Ehrlich) of New York City; Bruce Raven (Sherrie) and Nancy Abell (Torrance) both of Austin; and four grandchildren.
Dave and Sally enjoyed traveling the country in a GMC motor home, and he was proud to have collected photographs of all 50 state capitals. He was an avid sports fan and enthusiastically followed Indiana basketball throughout his life. That he is coming home to his final resting place at the beginning of “Hoosier Hysteria” seems appropriate.
Calling hours will be held Friday, March 3, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Raven-Choate Funeral Home, 1202 Kem Road, Marion, Indiana.
Funeral Services will be held at the funeral home Saturday, at March 4, at 10:30 a.m., with Reverend David Byrum officiating.
Burial will immediately follow funeral services in Estates of Serenity, Marion, Indiana.
Contributions in his memory may be made to First United Methodist Church Foundation, or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (www.JDRF.org).
Online condolences may be made at www.ravenchoate.com