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David Steward Raub II, 82, passed away on November 29, 2025 in La Luz, New Mexico at home with his family by his side. He was born on June 2, 1943 in Chillicothe, Ohio to David and Alice Raub.
After graduating from Denison University in 1966 with a degree in Sociology, David enlisted in the United States Army. David honorably served in the Army, beginning his military career as an enlisted Armor Crewman in May 1966 before earning his commission through OCS as an officer. He served 18 months in Vietnam where he was awarded the Air medal after the helicopter he was in was shot down. He distinguished himself in multiple leadership roles, including Psychological Operations Officer, Company Commander, Brigade Supply Officer, and Assistant Division Supply Officer. In total, David spent nearly 4 years overseas and devoted over 9 years of service before leaving the Army as a Captain. Through his courage and exemplary service, he was awarded two Bronze Stars and two Army Commendations among several other awards, reflecting his unwavering commitment to his country.
After his service in the Army he moved to Alamogordo where his sister lived. Always a fan of technology he began working at RadioShack, where he met and fell in love with Patricia Wade, a nurse who had recently returned home to Alamogordo after working on the east coast. The two married on November 28, 1981, and David soon began working at White Sands Missile Range. In 1993 he left WSMR to work with his wife at Alamogordo Home Care/Hospice, where he served as the Network Systems Administrator.
In 1985, David and Pat became parents to Wade, and in 1987 they completed their family and welcomed Carl. David and Pat loved being parents and were big supporters of their sons' extracurricular activities that included orchestra and swimming. David and Pat loved having events for children and would throw awesome 4th of July cookouts and fireworks and marvelous Easter brunches and egg hunts. The events were always large and included family, friends, and the church congregation. David and Pat were active in their church, St. John’s Episcopal Church, where David also served as an Elder. David was also an active member of Rotary and the Sierra Club and enjoyed working with computers and hot air balloons.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia Raub; two sons, Wade Raub and Carl Raub (Samantha Raub); sister Sara "Sally" Wing, her daughter, Melissa Merritt (Neal Merritt); sister, Barbara "Bobbi" Raub, her daughter, Meghan Raub (Anthony Osbourne); sister-in-law, Rebecca "Becky" Dunn, her son, Rad Dunn and daughter, Kelli Dunn; nieces, Molly Kane (Andrew Gunderson) and Mary Kane.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Alice Raub; father, David Steward Raub; mother-in-law, Eugenia A. Wade; father-in-law, Weldon O. Wade; brother-in-law, Paul Wing; sister-in-law, Karen Kane and brother-in-law, Leo Kane.
A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held at St. John's Episcopal Church on December 20, 2025, at 10:00 am. Light refreshments will be provided. Guests are welcome to bring dishes if they so choose.
In lieu of flowers, please donate in David’s name to the Rotary Club of White Sands, https://whitesandsrotary.org/
