Lothan Rudolph Raphael

Lothan Rudolph Raphael, Sr. passed away on Saturday, January 15, 2011 at the age of 95. Son of Rosalyn and Dennis Raphael from Jamaica and Haiti, respectively, was born October 13, 1915, in the city of Colon, Republic of Panama. He attended grade school and high school in Colon which he successfully completed by the age of fifteen, after which he immediately entered the work force in order to help out at home since his father died when he was only nine years old. With four brothers still at home he felt driven to go to work to help his mother meet the needs of the family. The first job he received was at a newspaper stand for the El Tempo daily news. Following that he worked at the People’s Bakery as a helper. These first jobs served to ensure family support in the absence of his father. Mr. Raphael’s career with the Panama Canal Company, which encompassed forty years of loyal service with many achievement awards and recognitions, began with the position as a Machine Helper. After two years he became a Refrigeration Mechanic and served in this position for ten years. Following this experience, he was promoted to Stock Card Clerk within the Refrigeration Division for which he was in charge of four men and thousands of replacement parts. During the last twenty years of service with the Panama Canal Company, Lothan changed direction and became a Ship Boatswain (or foreman) from which he finally retired in 1977. Mr. Raphael’s early religious training took place at the Salvation Army Church where he met and received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and was later recommended as a candidate to the Salvation Army Training Garrison in Jamaica. Not only was Mr. Raphael successful in his work history, but he strongly feels most of his successes were in the rearing of his seven children. Mr. Raphael was very active socially within the community and Republic of Panama. Among the various religious and fraternal organizations of which he was a member include, The Order of the Good Samaritans, I.O. of G.S. & D. of S., No. 29 for which he served as Recording Secretary, 35 years in the Office of Installing Master, 2 years, Past District Grand Master, and remained a member 42 years. He was a member of King Solomon Temple No. 11, Order of Mechanic where he served for 2 years as secretary, 15 years as a full member and became a Past Select Master. For 8 years Mr. Raphael was a member of Odd Fellows Lodge. And lastly, he also served as secretary for 2 years in the Erech Temple Lodge No. 10, Order of Mason where he was a member for 19 years. He also reached the highest position there, the Office of Select Master, which he served for one year. Mr. Raphael was a proud member of the great St. Paul United Methodist Church when he moved here from Inglewood, California, May of 1992. He was a proud member of Cornerstone Church for the past 15 years. He would simply like to be remembered as a good father and servant of God who touched the lives of people with the love, grace and peace of God as he served the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, in all that he did. He was married to the late Carmen Albertina Barrows Raphael for forty-eight years prior to her going home to be with the Lord April 19, 1989. He is also preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Erick Raphael, Simon Raphael, and Simeon Raphael; son, Lothan R. Raphael Jr. Survived by his children, Gilmore E Raphael, Dr. Granville A. Raphael, Francisco A. Raphael, Lilia V. Raphael Montgomery, Claudia E. Raphael Johnson and Rev. Eugenio D. Raphael; brother, Herman Raphael. He is a gracious grandfather of sixteen, and a great-grandfather of sixteen, for which he is proud and gives to God all praise and thanks. A visitation will be held Thursday, January 20, 2011 from 5:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M. and funeral services will be Friday, January 21, 2011 at 11:00 A.M. at Colonial Funeral Home.

Lothan was a loving part of the family of God at Cornerstone Church, the Rev. John Hagee, Senior Pastor, and his presence will truly be missed.