Rau

Richard M. Rau, 79, of Oak Ridge Drive died at 12:55 p.m. Tuesday at the St. John Specialty Care Center in Mars.

He was born Dec. 14, 1928, in Allentown, to the late Paul Rau and the late Lillie (Gomber) Rau.

Mr. Rau came to the Butler Eagle as a reporter and wire editor. He worked there from 1962 until he retired in 1994. He received his journalism degree from Penn State.

Mr. Rau was a member of the North Main Street Church of God, where he was on the board of directors, taught Sunday school, served on many committees and was the church photographer.

He was a committed husband and father, and his family most admired his integrity.

Mr. Rau was a paratrooper in the 11th Airborne of the U.S. Army and served with the occupation forces in Japan.

Mr. Rau is survived by his wife, Anna Belle (Hays) Rau, whom he married July 9 1960; one son, Brian Hays Rau and his wife, Nanette, of Butler; one daughter, Mrs. John (Melinda S.) Ripper of Butler; two granddaughters, Kayla and Alyssa; three grandsons, Brandon, Nicholas and Andrew; one sister, Doris Rickers of Chardon, Ohio; one niece; and three nephews.

<B>RAU</B> — Friends of Richard M. Rau, who died Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2008, will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the <B>Thompson-Miller Funeral Home</B>, 124 E. North St. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home with the Rev. Kenneth C. Hall and the Rev. David Brown officiating. Interment will follow in Butler County Memorial Park.Memorial donations may be made to Sixty Plus, North Main Street Church of God, 1201 N. Main St. Extension, Butler, PA 16001.Information and a private guest book are available at www.thompson-miller.com.