Raymond Morris Dabler

Raymond Morris Dabler was born on May 12, 1924 in Maysville, Missouri to Mary Lottie Dabler and passed away on April 23, 2020 in Roseville CA following a series of health setbacks. He would have turned 96 on May 12. He grew up on the farm in the small town of Maysville located in Dekalb County, Missouri where he was greatly loved mentored and encouraged by his grandparents Millie and Eliphus Dabler. Ray had six other siblings, Alberta, John, Frances, James, Bessie and Jerome. He was the uncle to numerous nieces and nephews and was fondly referred to by family members and childhood friends as “Bud” or “Buddy”. Whenever anyone called the house asking to speak to “Bud Dabler", he knew it was someone from Missouri. In his youth, Ray endured the Great Depression and then served bravely in the U.S. Marine Corp during World War 2 between 1943-1945 in many battles in the South Pacific including Saipan, Tinian and Tarawa. He was very proud of his service as a member of a battalion within the 2nd Marine Division earning the rank of Corporal. Ray had an amazing memory and many significant stories of his wartime experiences have been shared over the years to anyone who was interested in learning what happened during that historical time. Following the War, Ray moved to California permanently. First while living with his Aunt Lillian and Uncle Harley Anderson in Stockton where he worked at Sharpe General Depot at a water treatment plant. He then moved to San Francisco where he began and enjoyed a 38 year career in CA State Government working for several State Agencies. Ray’s career moved the family throughout the State of California over the years until their final landing spot in Citrus Heights CA where Ray continued to live until just before his passing. Early on while employed in San Francisco for the State Board of Equalization Ray met his lovely wife-to-be, Helen, originally from Philadelphia PA, who had also settled in San Francisco after serving in the Coast Guard during the war. They were married in 1952 and enjoyed a wonderful marriage for over 50 years until her passing in 2003. In 1954 Ray and Helen became the parents to a son, Harley. Ray was the best Dad and friend that a son could ever ask for! Besides his love for the family, Ray loved traveling in retirement with Helen to destinations around the world. He also enjoyed mountain lake fishing with his buddies from work, cars, motorcycles and had a special passion for airplanes. In his younger days he flew an assortment of airplanes for pleasure and shared ownership of a BT-13 war-era trainer plane. There was also a period of time he was interested in midget race cars and was part of a team that raced them throughout the Bay Area during the early 1950’s. He, like his son Harley, also enjoyed riding motorcycles and owned at least four of them over the years. Ray was also was interested in firearms as a hobby and was a member of the Sacramento Trap Shooting Club where he enjoyed competing in shooting events.

Throughout his life he made many friends wherever he went. Ray was especially fond of his many family members and even though most of them resided out of state he always kept in contact with them. Everyone enjoyed his varied stories…and there were many... about the war and the variety of experiences he had during his career including the many notable people he met along the way. Ray’s kindness and generosity to others will never be forgotten either. He was a man of God and a man of honesty and integrity. Ray was loved by many, will be fondly remembered and deeply missed.

Though hearts are broken and his presence is missed we also rejoice in knowing that Ray is enjoying the comfort and everlasting peace with our Lord Jesus Christ, reunited with those that have preceded him and we look forward to a future Heavenly Reunion!

Thanks Dad for EVERYTHING ! Miss You and Love You !

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MountVernonMemorial.com for the Dabler family.

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and practice the recommended six foot social distancing.