Millard "M.L." Raab

Millard LeRoy Raab, 96, passed on Thursday, April 24, 2025, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by loving family, in Haughton, Louisiana. He was born Saturday, September 1, 1928, in Stockton, Illinois, to the late William A. and Marjorie Eaton Raab.

M.L. grew up on a dairy farm in Stockton, Illinois, along with fourteen siblings. At an early age he learned the value of hard work and love for family, which is exactly how he lived his life.

As a young man he married Froncia Beard, then joined the Air Force and proudly served our country during the Korean War. During their marriage, they had five fabulous children. M.L. then worked for a roofing company where he learned and mastered the skills of his trade. In 1965 he formed his own company, Raab Roofing and Sons, which is still flourishing today, run by Brett, his sons, nephews and Juanita the office manager. Sprinkled throughout M.L’s career, his passions were stock car racing, fishing on Toledo Bend, forming his own softball team (he was pitcher and COACH!) Annually he always planted a huge garden, feeding many people.

Later in life he married Linda and through their journey, together they cherished their kids and grandkids. At all the frequent family functions with Linda always by his side, his life was full.

M.L. donated his time, resources, and his crew as they went to multiple locations and rebuilt homes and roofs post hurricane disasters. Locally he contributed his time to numerous charitable roofing projects in our community.

Left to cherish M.L.’s wonderful memory will be his beloved wife, Linda Raab; eight children: Dennis Raab, Paula Raab Atnip (Bob), Brett Raab (Marie Attaway), Michelle Raab Sweedar (Butch), Kurt Raab, Russell Charles, Lauri Vosbury, Rhonda Griffis, numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren; one sister-in-law Helen Raab born on the same day as M.L., many extended family members and a host of wonderful friends.

M.L. was preceded in passing by all fourteen of his siblings, two sons-in-law Scott Griffis and Brian Oaks, grandson Steven Crawford II, and granddaughter Tiffany Bradley.

In the summer of 2024, at the age of 95, M.L. accepted Jesus as his Savior and Lord. Truly his life was not only full, but it is now complete. John 3:16

The family will be greeting guests for visitation on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, from the hours of 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Hill Crest Memorial Funeral Home, 601 Hwy 80, Haughton, Louisiana 71037.

There will be a Celebration of a Life well lived for M.L. on Thursday, May, 1, 2025, at 10:00 am in the Chapel of Hill Crest Memorial Funeral Home, 601 Hwy 80, Haughton, Louisiana, 71037 with Brother Ken Basco officiating. Interment will follow on the grounds of Pease Cemetery in Haughton, Louisiana.

Honoring M.L. as pallbearers will be Brandon Raab, Joshua Crawford, Micah Raab, Jeremiah Raab, Jonathan Raab, Christopher Raab, Matthew Oaks, and Noah Raab. Honorary pallbearers Erik Scott, and Nicholas Oaks.

Memorial donations may be made in honor of M.L. to Bellevue Road Baptist Church, 1195 Bellevue Road, Haughton, Louisiana 71037.

Our family would like to extend our gratitude to the Amedisys Hospice team, Amanda, Christy, Terri, Dr. San Pedro, Dr. Diane Lim, Dr. Kennedy Lim and team for the professional care, compassion, and friendships built during our great time of need.