M.H. Raven

M. H. "SHORTY" RAVENConfident he will be with his Lord for eternity, M. H. "Shorty" Raven passed away on 9 January 2008 at 10:45 pm.Survivors are his Life-Long Companion of 60 years, Lorna Meier Raven, a son, Jim Raven of Midland, Tx., Two daughters, Merle Jean Raven of Midland, Tx., Marcia Kaderli and husband, Tom of Fredericksburg, Tx., his brother Bill and wife Grace of Marietta, Ga., his sisters-in-law, Kathleen Raven of St. John, Ks. and Wilma Hoyer and husband Paul of Hutchison, Kansas, five grandchildren, three great grandchildren and eight nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Marcella Gayer and brother, Meryl Raven.He was born to William H. and Susan Sturn Raven on a farm near Holyrood, Kansas on Feb. 27, 1923. After graduation from Bushton High School, he enlisted in the U. S. Army Air Force in 1942. He served as a C-47 pilot in the Air Transport Command in the Pacific Theatre of Operations in WWII. Shorty was separated from the Air Force in 1946 and Honorably Discharged from the Air Force Reserve in 1957.He and Lorna Meier were married in Ellsworth, Ks. on September 25, 1947.He worked for Northern Natural Gas Co. as an employee for 37 years and as a private contractor for 4 years. He, Lorna and their family lived in Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska and Texas during his time with Northern.Shorty was a life time member of the Permian Basin Chapter of The Natural Gas Processors Association and was Chairman of the Permian Basin Chapter in 1971. He was also a member of The American Legion and a life time member of The V. F. W. and Disabled American Veterans. He was also very active in his church, Grace Lutheran, serving on call committees, building programs and as Trustee and Elder. At home he stayed very active in his "Work Shop" and loved to use it to be of service to many neighbors and friends.A memorial service conducted by Pastor Robert Pase will be held at Grace Lutheran Church on 12 January at 2 pm.Memorials may be sent to the Donald Hafemann Scholarship Fund at Grace Lutheran Church, Hospice of Midland or the charity of your choice.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com,