Don Kendall Rager, 92, Upper Yoder Township, Pennsylvania, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on January 28, 2008 at Conemaugh Memorial Hospital.
Born November 15, 1915, in East Conemaugh, son of Howard B. and Elizabeth (Boyle) Rager, Don later lived in Portage, Conemaugh, and Moxham. Preceded in death by parents, beloved wife Hannah (Womer) Rager, and brothers Ray and Bob Rager. Survived by children, Judy (Jim) Kovalik, Johnstown, and Tim (Sharon) Rager, Indianapolis; and grandchildren, Griffin (Gwyn) Rager, Indianapolis, and Katie (Jordan) Goff, Charleston, S.C.; brother-in-law Jim (Ruth) Womer; sisters-in-law Nora (Howard) Womer, Lilla (Tom) Womer, and Leah (Dick) Womer; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A faithful husband and father, Don was employed by Bethlehem Steel Corp. from 1940—1962, years during which he and several friends founded the Riverside Grace Brethren Church (now Davidsville Community Church). When called on, Don served as pulpit supply for area churches, and made many lifelong friends in the process. In 1962 he accepted the call to become pastor of the Conemaugh Grace Brethren Church, where he served for 20 years, then continued after retirement as an active member till his death.
Don liked to sing harmony, make items from wood, and work crossword puzzles. He will be remembered for his love for Christ and the Bible, his warm smile and sense of humor, his gift of encouragement, and his sense of honesty and fairness.
At Don’s request there will be no public viewing or visitation. Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service on Saturday, February 2, 10 a.m. at the Conemaugh Grace Brethren Church, corner of Second and Oak Streets in East Conemaugh, with Pastor Ron Warrick officiating. Private burial arrangements are being handled by Picking-Treece-Bennett Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Don’s honor to Conemaugh Grace Brethren Church or the American Heart Association.
"Our loss, heaven's gain!"
Pam Wilson