Eugene Lewis Raab

Eugene Lewis Raab, 91, passed away unexpectedly from a hypertensive brain hemorrhage on January 4, 2022. His loving daughter Mary was with him. Heartfelt, grateful thanks to the Kentwood Fire Department, the AMR ambulance paramedics, and the compassionate medical staff at Butterworth hospital who cared for Eugene. The family would particularly like to recognize Dr. Busman, a Caledonia graduate and football quarterback as Eugene was also a Caledonia H.S. graduate and quarterback!

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Marjorie (Hilborn) Raab; son, Lt. Colonel David Raab (USAF); parents, Arloa and Lewis Good; grandparents, Sanna and Hiram Raab; nine brothers and sisters and their spouses. Eugene was the youngest and sole surviving member of the extensive Raab farm family in Caledonia.

He is survived by his daughter, Mary Raab; daughter-in-law Janelle Raab; granddaughter, Alexandra Raab; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Dr. Bruce & Lois Hilborn; sister-in-law, Marilyn Wales; many wonderful nieces, nephews, and friends. He will be deeply missed. Eugene simply made the world a better place.

Eugene was orphaned at two years-old and raised by his grandparents, Hiram and Sanna Raab. He was an amazing, multi-talented man. No one who knew him can ever forget his warm, generous heart or his wicked sense of humor! Eugene graduated from Caledonia high school in 1948. He earned a BS from Michigan State University thanks to the MSU ROTC program and academic scholarships. After graduation, he was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. Eugene later returned again to MSU to earn an MBA degree. He was also a graduate of the USAF Command and Staff College and the USAF Air War College. Eugene proudly served in the Air Force for 31 years, retiring with the rank of colonel. During his career, he helped numerous talented young people to go to the Air Force Academy. He was instrumental in helping women become accepted to the USAFA. Col. Raab was also influential in inducting 1972 Olympic gold medal diving champion Micki King into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame. The last thing he did as a serving officer was to commission his son, David, as a 2nd lieutenant into the U.S. Air Force (David was also a graduate of the MSU ROTC) – a passing of the baton.

Because of the virulence of COVID, there will not be a visitation. As a creative alternative, the family is asking anyone who wishes to write a personal message to Eugene or a memory and it will be put in Eugene’s coffin with him. Please contact Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (4646 Kalamazoo, Ave., SE, Kentwood, MI 49508, (616) 455-1535) for information on how to send the messages. All messages must be received by January 12, 2022. At this time, because of COVID, there will only be a private graveside burial service. There will be a larger memorial service including full military honors on Eugene’s birthday in June when it is safer to gather together outside. The family is doing this out of respect and for the safety of everyone. Thank you for your understanding. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to a charity of your choice in Eugene’s name. May the last words you ever say to those dearest to you be, “I love you.” Be the change and have the courage to make the world better than you found it. Eugene Lewis Raab did just that.