Jean Howard Raas, son, brother, uncle, engineer, gifted musician, friend and gentle soul died peacefully on Thursday May 16 at Lynchburg General Hospital after a lengthy illness. Born on October 3, 1939, he grew up in Morris Plains, New Jersey. Jean was predeceased by his parents Emile and Emily Best Raas and his younger brother Richard. He leaves his nephews Douglas and Steven of Rochester NY to keep his memory alive. Jean was educated at the University of Vermont in Bennington, receiving a degree in mechanical engineering and then served in the U.S. Air Force where he worked on the development of the SR-71 “Blackbird.” Following his military service Jean was employed by Pratt and Whitney Aircraft in Long Island NY and in Florida; Babcock and Wilcox in Ohio; Babcock and Wilcox Nuclear Service Company in Lynchburg where he continued his education with a Master's Degree in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from the University of Virginia. Jean completed his lengthy professional career with Novateck here in Lynchburg.
Since boyhood Jean maintained a keen interest in classical music and model railroading. He began his musical career playing the clarinet where his proficiency earned him first chair with the Upper Arlington Civic Orchestra (OH). When he moved to Lynchburg he developed his skills on the violin enabling him to participate with a number of orchestras in the Lynchburg region, including the Roanoke Symphony, the Rockbridge Symphony, the Shenandoah Symphony Orchestra and he was a charter member of the Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra. Jean appeared in more than 90 classical performances in 45 years. Model railroading was Jean's second passion, specializing in quarter-inch-to-the-foot O scale, one of the few in the Hill City when he arrived. His craftsmanship and vast knowledge of the hobby inspired many followers. Jean was considered a mentor to every member of the O scale club and countless happy Friday evenings were spent in his basement where members ran their newly finished trains and de-bugged whatever problems arose.
Jean was a faithful member of First Presbyterian Church and it is here that his friends and admirers will gather on Wednesday June 5 to memorialize his devotion to his faith, to his profession and to his many interest. Committal in the church columbarium is 1:30 pm with the Memorial Service for Jean at 2 pm, the Reverend Peter Thompson officiating. A reception at the church will follow.
