Kenneth E. Rau, Sr.

Former resident of Oakwood & Defiance, Ohio, Kenneth E. Rau, Sr., age 90, Troy, Ohio passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2014 at Upper Valley Medical Center.

He was born to Charles Ross Rau and Edna Titler Rau, on Oct. 24, 1923 near Oakwood, Ohio, in Paulding County.

In 1942 he married Clarabelle Doan who passed away May 13, 2008.

Kenneth and his wife Clarabelle were the founders and former co-owners of Ken's Furniture Store in Defiance, Ohio. They moved to St. Petersburg, Florida in 1980. They were lifetime members of the Defiance Historical Society.

Kenneth was a veteran of World War II. He landed on Utah Beach 90 minutes following the Invasion On D-Day, June 6, 1944. He also served in the Normandy Campaign, Northern France Campaign, and the Rhineland Campaign. Ken was awarded three bronze stars, Middle Eastern Ribbon, Meritorious Service Unit plaque and the Good Conduct Medal. Ken's a life member of the VFW Post #3360 and Disabled American Veterans.

Surviving are two sons, Kenneth Jr. (Gene), of Antwerp, Ohio, James (Art) of St. Petersburg, Florida, two daughters, Carolyn Peters of Defiance, Ohio, and Sue (David) Burtner of Troy, Ohio.

Also surviving are one brother, Harold (Ada) Rau, of Bluffton, Ohio, one sister, Wilma Boroff, the Laurels of Defiance, Ohio; and a sister-in-law, Louella Rau of Defiance, Ohio. Ken has eight grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, and four step grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were his loving wife, Clarabelle, a son, Larry, brothers Leroy, Raymond and Donald Rau.

Kenneth has lived the past two years at Sterling House in Troy, Ohio.

A very sincere and heartfelt thank you from Ken and his family to all the wonderful staff and residents at Sterling House and good friend Viola, and a special thank you to Hospice of Miami County.

Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014 at Schaffer Funeral Home, Defiance, Ohio. Services will be at 1 p.m., Monday, Jan. 20, 2014. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery following the service. Memorials are to a charity of the donors choice. Condolences may be given at www.schafferfh.com